India’s Automobile Sector: From Foreign Reliance To Global Player

India’s automobile industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, evolving from a nation once dependent on foreign-made vehicles to one that now takes pride in its homegrown automobile manufacturing.

The government’s Make in India program, launched in 2014, has been instrumental in boosting both traditional car production and the emerging electric vehicle (EV) sector, according to government sources.

Policy Reforms Drive Industry Expansion

Government studies show that policy reforms, fiscal incentives, and infrastructure development have fueled the impressive growth in India’s automobile sector over the last decade.

Also Read: India Doubles Social Protection Coverage; Reaches Nearly 50% Of Population

As a result, India has emerged as a key player in the global automobile market, attracting substantial foreign investment and fostering innovation.

Localized manufacturing has driven economic growth and sustainability, contributing to the country’s rise as a global leader in automobile production.

The Journey To Manufacturing Success

India’s automotive story began to shift in 1991, when the government opened up the sector to foreign direct investment (FDI).

Today, the country is home to manufacturing units of some of the world’s biggest automobile brands, which have chosen India as a hub for production.

This shift is driven by the country’s skilled workforce, expertise, and the ability to produce high-quality components locally.

According to the Finance Ministry, vehicle production has surged from 2 million units in 1991-92 to an impressive 28 million units in 2023-24.

Impressive Economic Contributions

The Indian automobile industry has become a major contributor to the economy, with a turnover of approximately US$240 billion.

Vehicle and auto component exports account for around US$35 billion annually.

Additionally, the sector provides employment to around 30 million people across the country.

India has established itself as the world’s largest producer of three-wheelers and is among the top manufacturers of two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles.

Indigenous Manufacturing: Key To Growth

One of India’s greatest achievements in the automotive sector is its ability to manufacture critical components and parts domestically.

Unlike many other countries, India has made significant strides in producing key automobile parts, including engine components, transmission systems, brake systems, and electrical components.

A highly skilled workforce and robust government policy support have driven this progress.

The Finance Ministry projects that India’s auto component sector will reach a US$100 billion export target by 2030, positioning it as one of the country’s largest employment generators.

Economic Impact And Rising Demand

The automobile industry plays a vital role in India’s economic growth, contributing approximately 2.3% to the nation’s GDP.

The sector’s expansion reflects a rising demand for vehicles, which is, in turn, linked to the increasing purchasing power of Indian consumers.

As salaries grow, more people are opting to upgrade their vehicles or transition from two-wheelers to four-wheelers.

The recent budgetary reliefs provided to the middle class further support this trend, encouraging more people to invest in cars.

Electric Vehicles: The Future Of India’s Auto Industry

India’s most promising growth story lies in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

As of August 2024, there were 4.4 million registered EVs in India, including 950,000 EVs in the first eight months of the year.

Government initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced chemistry cells, have played a crucial role in this growth.

The government allocated over Rs 2,671 crore under this scheme in the latest union budget and also proposed exempting customs duties on critical minerals required for EV battery production.

Future Plans For EV Expansion

The Indian government is committed to further supporting the EV sector by offering additional incentives and benefits, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a clean, green India.

The increase in EV production, with passenger vehicles reaching 9,217 units in 2023 and commercial vehicles hitting 8,660 units, demonstrates the sector’s growing importance.

With policy support, India will likely lead electric vehicle manufacturing, fulfill its people’s aspirations, and contribute to the country’s sustainability goals.

India’s automobile sector, once dominated by foreign-made vehicles, is now a global powerhouse, with significant strides in manufacturing and innovation.