Elektrans Global

Make in India- A fine example from the Indian Automobile Industry

The Leading global automobile manufacturers; Suzuki- Maruti, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, General Motors, Nissan etc. have set up production facilities in India and are catering to both the Indian market and the export markets. Cars are now being exported to diverse markets in Africa, South- East Asia and Europe.

Leading Indian manufacturers; Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra etc. are similarly catering to both the Indian market and the export markets.

The Indian automobile industry is thus amongst the top manufacturers in the world catering to the growing Indian and export markets.

Automobile exports (passenger vehicles) from India have grown from 4.5lakhs in 2009/2010 to 6.2lakhs in 2014/2015 an average annual growth rate of about 8% and the trend is continuing.

Transportation of automobiles for the export market is done by Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC’s) of over 5000 cars (CEUs) capacity. This is the most economic and efficient way for sea transportation of automobiles.

Large PCTC’s of various leading international shipping lines, such as, Hoegh Autoliners, NYK, MOL, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, etc. make regular calls at Indian ports to load and transport automobiles by Ro-Ro concept.

It would be observed from the foregoing that the manufacture of automobiles in India by leading international and Indian manufacturers is one of the best examples of the “Make in India”, concept. Taking a lead from here, perhaps it can be replicated in a number of other industries too.

Then, what about the shipbuilding industry, will it be possible? Perhaps yes, at a later date, when we are able to overcome the constraints and numerous problems. The demand for RoRo PCTC’s is likely to increase with the increase in exports and this would provide a good opportunity to Indian shipping lines to consider diversifying and acquiring a few PCTC’s.