Nitin GadkariRoad transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday urged automobile manufacturers to step up localisation and improve manufacturing quality, rather than relying on imported components, according to report by Economic Times.
Gadkari said global automakers are increasingly using India as an export base, pointing to the two-wheeler industry, where nearly 50 per cent of production is shipped overseas. He added that a similar trend is visible among passenger vehicle makers as well.
“Major car makers have started using India as an export base,” Gadkari said, noting that local sourcing already makes commercial sense for original equipment manufacturers. According to the minister, Indian auto components are competitively priced and meet global quality benchmarks, making them an attractive option for global car companies.
“Indian auto parts are competitively priced and meet global quality standards. Global car companies have no option but to buy from them because of the value proposition,” he said.
Gadkari also highlighted the role of the automotive sector in addressing environmental concerns, particularly in urban centres. Referring to air quality in the national capital, he said around 40 per cent of pollution is caused by vehicular emissions, underlining the need for cleaner technologies and improved manufacturing practices.
The minister’s remarks come amid the government’s push for higher domestic value addition in manufacturing and efforts to position India as a global automotive production and export hub.
