Optimism and surprises in learning logistics the ‘Indian Way’
NEW DELHI, 9 DECEMBER 2011: Considerable investment, partnership and patience are all needed for logistics to keep up with market demand which is expected to see car sales double to 6m per annum in the next three years.
Almost 300 delegates at the annual Automotive Logistics India conference heard about the need for more sophisticated services and long-term partnerships from the country’s largest carmakers and tier one suppliers. Senior logistics executives were present from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Ford, Fiat and others, and from Delphi, Visteon, Continental and others.
Delegates also heard some surprises, with a representative of the Ministry of Railways saying that the idea of private sector operation of autohubs for finished vehicles is “on hold”.
Government representatives from both the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Railways set out the critical next steps for investing and modernising infrastructure and transport policy. And while there are some encouraging plans – from large investment in roads to more interest in automotive by the railways – there are also signs that development and regulatory reform will be slower than hoped.
In striving for modern logistics, the ‘Indian way’ always applies, delegates heard. That can mean surprising efficiencies, as well as delay and frustration. The conference discussed the many infrastructural, regulatory, operational and capacity issues which the country faces – and they are substantial. But it also saw users and service providers inching towards collaboration, as well as actions to address the appalling conditions of car-carrier drivers in India.
Once again, delegates agreed that India’s fast growth in the automotive sector will depend critically on the country’s ability to improve its infrastructure and advance its logistics. Overall there is optimism, which is also the ‘Indian way’. And once again the conference proved an invaluable forum for the key players to meet, discuss and agree how to move forward.
Detailed coverage in this report:
(from left) RS Kalsi of Maruti Suzuki; Tier one panel including (centre) Hitesh Thakkar of Delphi and (right) Anoop Arora of Continental with session chairman Jasjit Sethi of TCI Supply Chain Solutions; Railway Ministry advisor Suhas Kumar; Manoj Singh of the government's Planning Commission; Ford's Vinodha Jeyanthilal
Conference outputs
All delegates to the conference were able to:
- attend all formal presentations and their Q&A sessions
- participate in small groups of round-table discussions on specific subjects
- continue discussions in the lunches and coffee breaks, which are designed to encourage interaction
- network and meet in the relaxed setting of an introductory cocktail reception and an exciting gala dinner
- see supplier displays
- download copies of the all the presentations (subject to speaker approval) after the conference
Network, network, network... the conference provided the opportunities (and a dash of Bollywood entertainment)
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