Autocar India Editor Hormazd Sorabjee sits down with Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe and former Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, for an in-depth discussion on how policy, technology and exports are shaping the future of India’s automobile industry.
Goenka explains why the recent GST cut was pre-planned rather than driven by US tariffs, underscores how Indian OEMs have become competitive on design, technology and cost, and makes the case for a more aggressive export strategy—arguing that while passenger vehicles can grow at 10–12% annually, exports must expand at 20% to sustain momentum.
He also discusses the government’s efforts to ease regulations, the complex multi-department oversight of the auto sector worldwide, and how policy support has made India globally competitive. The conversation touches on the ethanol debate, potential resolutions to E20 fuel efficiency concerns, and how industry leaders are blending aspiration with national priorities even as exports still lack urgency. Goenka closes by noting that the auto industry remains one of the most strongly supported sectors by the government, positioning India for its next phase of growth.
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