Will Host 4th Finance & Insurance Summit & 7th Auto Retail Conclave on September 10, 2025

Dear Friends,

It gives me immense pleasure to share with you exciting developments from across the Federation as we collectively work toward building a resilient and self-reliant auto retail ecosystem.

I am delighted to announce that FADA will host its 4th Finance & Insurance (F&I) Summit and the 7th Auto Retail Conclave on September 10, 2025, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi.

Friends, the 4th F&I Summit will bring together distinguished leaders from the banking and insurance sectors to deliberate on the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities shaping the Indian auto retail industry in 2025. Key areas of focus will include the continued impact of supply chain disruptions on vehicle availability, the rising cost of funds influencing customer financing decisions, and the evolving IRDAI regulatory framework that is reshaping finance and insurance delivery across our sector. We will also reflect on how inventory build-up and broader macroeconomic pressures are influencing buyer sentiment and strategic planning at dealerships.

Complementing this, the 7th Auto Retail Conclave will be held under the theme “Self-Sustaining Success: Transforming Auto Retail for Naya Bharat”, celebrating our journey of innovation, resilience, and growth in a self-reliant India. This conclave goes beyond industry dialogue—it is a platform for collective transformation, aimed at empowering businesses, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering shared prosperity.

As part of this day-long event, we will also recognize excellence across the ecosystem: the F&I Summit will conclude with the Dealership Excellence Awards 2025 and DSS’25 Awards for F&I companies, while the Auto Retail Conclave will culminate with the DSS’25 Awards for OEMs. I urge all members to register for this landmark event—registration links have already been shared on our WhatsApp groups.

During the Conclave, we will also unveil the Theme and Logo for this year’s Auto Dealers Day celebrations on September 19, and launch a nationwide campaign to enhance the image of auto dealerships, highlighting their meaningful contribution to society.

DSS’25 for OEMs will begin soon and members will be informed about it in coming days. All are requested to take the survey for all the brands which they represent so that we have a true representation across all categories and brands.

FADA’s increasing engagement with policymakers was further strengthened this month. Our Vice President Mr Sai Giridhar; Executive Committee Member Ms Garima Misra; and CEO Mr Saharsh Damani had the privilege of meeting Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, to discuss the Retail Protection Act and the recurring challenge of abrupt OEM exits. We also highlighted key concerns relating to vehicle registration, GST, and banking impacting Ease of Doing Business. The Minister appreciated FADA’s efforts and assured us of immediate steps, including convening a meeting of OEMs and retailers to address the issues raised. Additionally, FADA will be an important stakeholder at the future Bharat Mobility Week, alongside SIAM and ACMA, further cementing our role in shaping the mobility landscape of India.

In a follow-up, Mr Sushil Poddar (President, Confederation of West Bengal Traders Association - CWBTA), along with other retail associations, met with Mr Saharsh Damani at the FADA office, and subsequently with Shri Piyush Goyal to press upon Retail Protection Act.

Further reinforcing our OEM engagement, Mr Giridhar, Ms Misra, and Mr Damani also met with Mr Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, continuing our dialogue on strengthening dealer-OEM relations.

To make a detailed proposal for submission on Ease of Doing Business for Auto Retail Industry, FADA convened an urgent dedicated Governing Council meeting to finalize these critical inputs.
In parallel, FADA also had a dialogue with media addressing the serious concerns voiced by our two-wheeler dealers regarding the Multi-Brand Outlet (MBO) issue.

Our CSR and employment initiatives continue to make an impact. The FADA Academy, in collaboration with ASDC and Hero MotoCorp, organized a job fair in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, under Project Saksham. This initiative focuses on empowering certified, job-ready women and creating meaningful employment opportunities at dealerships.

Friends, as we navigate through a phase of slowing vehicle sales, it's crucial that every member reviews their financial efficiency and operational discipline. Ask yourself: Is your money working as hard as you? This is the time to intensively track your sales and service turnover – ensure there are no loose ends and that every revenue opportunity is being maximized. Keep a close watch on your outstanding receivables – rising outstandings can silently erode cash flow and profitability. In this environment, we must collectively strive for zero non-collectibles. This requires relentless focus on collections and credit discipline. Remember, when sales slow down, saved revenues are as important as earned revenues. Eliminating revenue leakage will help us endure the current cycle and emerge stronger. Let’s tighten our processes, enhance accountability, and make every rupee count.

At the state level, FADA Haryana, led by Mr Ashish Bambha, met with Hon’ble Transport Minister Shri Anil Vij ji to request the reinstatement of the EV subsidy, which had lapsed in June. The delegation also proposed an increase from the existing 75% subsidy to 100%, which was positively received by the Minister. Other state-specific dealer issues were also discussed, and we appreciate the Minister’s assurance of favourable consideration.

Meanwhile, FADA Maharashtra successfully organized a regional meeting in Nashik, with participation from dealers across five districts of North Maharashtra. The gathering served as a platform for collaborative dialogue, peer learning, and networking—concluding with a warm dinner that fostered deeper community ties.

In Chhattisgarh, under Mr Kailash Khemani, FADA Chhattisgarh Two-Wheeler Regional Director, had state’s 2W members meeting where some key decisions were taken to address urgent regional issues:
1. Compulsory Helmet with Delivery – All OEMs to include helmet costs in ex-showroom price.
2. Closure of Unauthorized MBOs – Strict RTO action to be initiated; supply to such outlets must cease immediately.
3. Delivery Only with Fixed HSRP Plates – Vehicles must be delivered only post proper installation of HSRP plates to avoid legal repercussions.

As we continue to stride forward with unity and shared purpose, I encourage all members to actively participate in FADA’s upcoming initiatives and policy engagements. Together, we are shaping a future for India’s auto retail sector that is inclusive, resilient, and truly self-sustaining.

Warm regards,

C S Vigneshwar
President - FADA