SIAM Hosts 20th Styling and Design Conclave and 18th Automotive Design Challenge

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised its 20th Styling and Design Conclave and 18th Automotive Design Challenge in Goa, focusing on collaborative creativity to build India's mobility design ecosystem through industry-academia partnerships. The two-day event brought together automobile designers, industry experts and academicians to discuss the evolving role of automotive styling and design, changing consumer expectations, and the growing importance of aesthetics and vehicle experience across segments.

SIAM launched a white paper on "Evolution of Automotive Design in India" during the conclave. The Automotive Design Challenge saw participation from 53 students from various design colleges, with Akshit Salunkhe from Ajeenkya DY Patil University winning the first prize.

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, "Meaningful mobility solutions emerge from the confluence of sustainability, desirability, and affordability. These three essential pillars that must work together to address local needs while aligning with evolving environmental priorities."

G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group & Design Director, Ashok Leyland, said, "Understanding user experience must go beyond acknowledging problem areas and be rooted in empathy and a solution-driven mindset, with a clear focus on enabling gender-sensitive transportation and strengthening last-mile connectivity to create truly inclusive mobility solutions."

Andreas Kurbos, Founder & CEO, StudioKurbos GMBH, said, "As design continues to evolve globally, India's story can achieve stronger resonance by drawing from its rich culture and legacy. With design tools becoming increasingly democratised, identity becomes a powerful differentiator, making it essential to deeply understand audiences and co-create distinctive user experiences, while strengthening design education to shape the future of design."

Saurabh Singh, Co-Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group & Senior Vice President (Design & Modeling), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., added, "Shaping India through thought-provoking and emotionally engaging dialogue is essential to spark deeper conversations and meaningful action, and the country must set its sights on a bolder, more ambitious vision for its automotive future."

The first session examined the evolving role of automotive styling and design. Rajesh Gogu, Vice President – Design, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., led discussions with industry leaders including P Sanjeev, Founder & CEO, E3 Electric; Shweta Kulkarni, India & Asia Pacific Lead (Polymer & Bio-Sourced), Stellantis; Debidutt Gharai, Group Manager, Royal Enfield; and Dr Vinay Kumar Kaushik, General Manager, Mankiewicz.

The session addressed integrating aesthetics with functionality, material innovation, sustainability, and design-led differentiation. The second session featured perspectives on next-generation automotive styling from Ajay Jain, Head of India Design Studio, Tata Motors Ltd.; Ferdinand Klauser, Global Partner & Managing Director Asia, Kiska; Dinesh Raman, Design Director, Kiska; Shashwath Bolar, Head of Design, Greaves Electric Mobility; and Sandeep Varma, Co-Founder, Studio 34.

The discussion highlighted innovation, creative thinking, and emerging trends shaping vehicle design. A panel discussion on "Inculcating Design Thinking for Creative Solutions" was moderated by Anuj Prasad, CEO, Desmania. Participants included Prof Thomas Dal, Director-Dean, Strate School of Design; Harish CB, Faculty, Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology; G Sathiyaseelan; Saurabh Singh; and Teofilo Plaza Garcia, Head – Industrial Design Studio, Hero MotoCorp.

The session emphasised embedding design thinking into automotive development and fostering industry-academia collaboration. The top 10 finalists of the Automotive Design Challenge were recognised during the conclave. Chanakya Asangi from Strate School of Design secured the second runner-up position, Aman Mujawar from IIT Delhi was first runner-up, and Akshit Salunkhe won first prize. The conclave concluded with an interactive session between design students and design professionals.

SIAM is the apex national body representing major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. The organisation focuses on activities related to environment improvement, safety and protection of automobile vehicle users and the public.