FADA takes 18-Member Delegation to NADA Convention 2026

Dear Members,

From policy corridors to courtrooms, from classrooms to communities, FADA remains steadfast in its mission to protect, empower, and elevate India’s automobile dealers. Together, we continue to champion responsible growth, regulatory clarity, financial fairness, and leadership excellence across the automotive retail ecosystem.

I am pleased to share the significant strides FADA has made this month across policy advocacy, industry engagement, capacity building, and social responsibility. Our collective efforts are strengthening the voice of India’s automotive retail fraternity while reinforcing our commitment to nation-building.

At the national level, our CEO Mr. Saharsh Damani along with Executive Committee Members Mr. Vinkesh Gulati (Past President FADA) and Ms. Garima Misra, met the Hon’ble Minister for Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, after receiving an invite to meet and greet post India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The Hon’ble Minister appreciated FADA’s data-backed recommendations and acknowledged our constructive inputs in supporting government decision-making. We were informed that the EU FTA is expected to go live by year-end, enabling Auto OEMs to explore new opportunities under revised tariff structures.

This milestone reflects how FADA’s unified, data-driven advocacy is contributing meaningfully to national economic policy and reinforces that the voice of Indian automotive retail is heard and respected at the highest levels.

In a significant development, the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court in the MBO matter has directed the Government of West Bengal to implement its order dated 23rd April 2025 for enforcement of the statutory provisions of the New Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, and to submit comprehensive compliance. This reinforces FADA’s sustained efforts in protecting dealer interests and ensuring fair regulatory implementation.

Reinforcing the nation-building role of OEM-authorised dealerships, FADA launched the “Dealership for Good” initiative. Through this campaign, we are highlighting the expanded role of dealerships — not merely as sales points, but as trusted community partners delivering value beyond vehicles.

The first video, focusing on the benefits of taking insurance from OEM-authorised dealerships, has been widely circulated. I encourage all members to add their dealership name and amplify the campaign across networks and customer bases. Upcoming videos on finance, after-sales, and spares - including regional language editions - will be shared shortly. An urgent Governing Council meeting was convened to further promote this initiative, reinforcing our shared responsibility beyond business.

I am also proud to share that our CEO, Mr. Saharsh Damani, was conferred the Social Responsibility & Community Impact Award by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA), the apex body of retail traders in West Bengal, recognising FADA’s broader societal contribution.

On the international front, FADA led an 18-member delegation to attend the 2026 NADA Convention in Las Vegas, USA from February 3-6, 2026. I was accompanied by Mr. Amar Jatin Sheth (Secretary), Mr. Pradeep Agarwal (Treasurer), CEO Mr. Saharsh Damani, Mr. Rishabh Sanghi (Chairperson, GenX) and Mr. Sachin Shah (Governing Council Member), along with fellow dealer members.

On February 2, dealership visits were organised in collaboration with NADA - including visits to Gaudin Ford, Gaudin Porsche and Findlay Toyota.

We also had the privilege of meeting key global industry leaders, including:
• Mr. Tom Castriota, NADA Past Chairman
• Mr. Rob Cochran, NADA Chairman
• Mr. Mike Stanton, NADA President & CEO
• Mr. Karsten Kunckel, President - Peru Auto Association
• Mr. Joe Fleming, NADA Industry Relations
• Mr. José Maurício Andreta Júnior, President - Fenabrave (Brazil Dealer Association)
• Mr. Peter Daeninck, President - CECRA (European Association)
• Mr. James Voortman, CEO - Australian Automobile Dealers Association (AADA)

and many other international dealers from various countries. A detailed report on learnings from NADA is part of this month’s FADA Journal.

Under the leadership of Mr. Manish Raj Singhania, FADA Academy continues to build future-ready automotive retail leaders. January 2026 marked a historic milestone with FADA Academy’s first-ever program on Artificial Intelligence with IIM Udaipur. This landmark association, along with flagship programs on:

• Strategic HR Leadership & People Management for Business Impact
• Competency Driven Behavioral Interviewing Skills – Smart Hiring for Auto Dealerships

enabled engagement with 192 participants in a single month - leaders who collectively influence thousands of professionals across dealerships nationwide.

The collaboration equipped participants with actionable frameworks to align people, strategy, and performance. The behavioural interviewing program strengthened competency-based hiring decisions - a critical capability for sustainable dealership growth. These initiatives reaffirm FADA Academy’s evolution from a training body to a strategic thought partner in leadership, talent, and business transformation.

WIF Chhattisgarh under Director Ms Tawanpreet Kaur Bhasin along with Ms Rashmi Kale, Chairperson FADA WiF organized a learning session for WiF members from Chhattisgarh & neighbouring states. The Session titled “Shastra to Strategy” was taken by Ms. Ankita Khemka, drew leadership lessons from the Bhagavad Geeta and Chanakya Niti and demonstrating their practical relevance in daily business and life.

This session was organised on the sidelines of RADA’s Auto Show 2026 in Raipur. Following the learning session, WiF members visited the Auto Show to witness firsthand the scale and execution of the event. The impressive organisation of the Auto Expo by the Raipur Auto Dealer community - along with the 50% rebate on life tax for vehicles purchased during the show - created a genuine win-win for all stakeholders, particularly customers. Addressing attendees during the Auto Show, Mr. Sai Giridhar, Vice President, FADA, expressed his sincere hope that other states would draw inspiration from and replicate this successful model. The WiF Chhattisgarh program concluded over gala dinner.

Our state-level advocacy helped in driving tangible benefits. FADA Jammu under Chairperson Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal, submitted a representation to Mr. Shailendra Kumar (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary & Financial Commissioner, Power Development Department, advocating for the adoption of an inclusive EV policy.

Further, Mr Agarwal held a high-level meeting with the Heads of Lead Banks — Mr. Sunit Kumar (J&K Bank), Mr. Jayant Mani (SBI), and Mr. Anil Sharma (PNB) — to address the long-pending issue of 100% disbursement of finance payout directly to dealerships. I am pleased to share that following this engagement, FADA Jammu has received a revised policy from SBI ensuring 100% payout to dealerships, marking a significant win for our members.

Additionally, Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal presented the Pre-Budget Memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Omar Abdullah, during the stakeholders’ interaction for Budget 2026-27, ensuring our sector’s concerns and recommendations were heard at the highest level.

FADA Delhi, under Chairperson Mr. Shailender Luthra, joined the Delhi Government on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to distribute helmets to blood donors during a Blood Donation Camp. The event was addressed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta.

FADA Jharkhand Chairperson Mr. Govind Mewar, along with Mr. Hemant Jain, met the Transport Secretary and Commissioner to deliberate on CMVR implementation. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to ensure smoother regulatory alignment under the new CMV Rules.

FADA West Bengal under Mr Rohit Chowdhury launched a road safety campaign in Kolkata in partnership with Kolkata Police, distributing 1,000 helmets at the Alipore Police Training Centre to encourage responsible two-wheeler riding.

Each milestone reflects our collective strength and shared purpose. FADA remains a unified and forward-looking voice of India’s automobile dealers.

Thank you for your continued trust and commitment. Together, we will keep driving progress for our fraternity and contributing to India’s growth.

Yours Sincerely,

CS Vigneshwar
President - FADA