Dear Friends,

The past month has been marked by sustained efforts by FADA and its State Associations to strengthen dealer representation, engage with policymakers and address key issues affecting the automobile retail industry. From industry leadership interactions and policy advocacy to skill development, road safety and inclusion, our initiatives reflect FADA’s continued commitment to advancing the interests of authorised automobile retail across the country.

At the national level, FADA continues to strengthen its engagement with the Government and key industry stakeholders, ensuring that the voice of automobile dealers remains an integral part of discussions shaping India’s mobility landscape.

I recently had the opportunity to participate as a panellist at the HT Auto Conclave, where I shared FADA’s perspective on the future of India’s automobile industry and the critical role of authorised dealers in building a stronger, more competitive automotive ecosystem.

During the discussion, I emphasised the importance of a fair, transparent and balanced relationship between automobile manufacturers and their authorised dealer networks. The Model Dealer Agreement remains an important priority for FADA. Clearly defined rights, responsibilities and obligations are essential to building trust and sustainable, long-term partnerships between OEMs and dealers.

I also highlighted the need for an appropriate legislative framework through an Auto Retail Protection Act to protect dealer investments, promote equitable business practices and create greater stability across automobile retail. The objective is not to create conflict between manufacturers and dealers, but to strengthen their partnership and establish a more predictable and sustainable business environment.

A central message I shared was that India’s ambition to become a globally competitive automotive manufacturing hub must begin with strengthening our domestic market.

A strong domestic market gives manufacturers the confidence and volumes required to scale up production, invest in technology, improve efficiencies and achieve economies of scale. This, in turn, can make Indian automotive products more cost-competitive and better positioned in international markets.

However, this growth must be built around customer confidence and satisfaction. Dealerships are the vital link between manufacturers and customers, sustaining the relationship from the initial purchase experience through after-sales service, maintenance and long-term ownership support.

Only a financially healthy, profitable and sustainable dealer network can consistently invest in modern infrastructure, skilled manpower, technology and high-quality customer service. Dealer profitability is therefore not merely a dealership concern; it is fundamental to customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and the long-term health of the entire automotive industry.

The interests of manufacturers, dealers and customers are interconnected. A stronger dealer network enables better customer experiences, builds consumer confidence and supports domestic demand—ultimately helping manufacturers achieve scale and global competitiveness.

Our collective objective must be an automotive ecosystem in which OEMs grow, dealerships prosper and customers remain at the centre of every decision.

F&I Leadership Evening 2026

In line with this commitment, FADA successfully organised its first-of-its-kind F&I Leadership Evening 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together senior leaders from the Finance, Insurance and Auto Retail industries for candid conversations, shared perspectives and stronger partnerships.

Our engagement with the insurance sector assumes particular significance in light of IRDAI’s consultation paper, Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution. FADA is preparing its representation, highlighting the vital role automobile dealers play beyond policy issuance, including providing appropriate coverage advice, renewal support, dedicated manpower and end-to-end claims assistance.

Any significant reduction in commissions without due consideration of these responsibilities and investments could affect dealership viability, employment and the quality of customer service. FADA will advocate a balanced framework that promotes transparency, safeguards consumer interests and ensures the sustainability of the authorised dealer network.

Government Engagement and Electric Mobility

On September 17, the Ministry of Heavy Industries organised an interaction at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on the occasion of Sewa Sankalp Divas. The Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, interacted with electric vehicle beneficiaries, dealers and industry representatives.

I had the privilege of representing FADA at this important platform, alongside representatives of SIAM and ACMA. Such engagements reinforce the critical role of automobile dealers in building consumer confidence, facilitating EV adoption and supporting India’s transition towards sustainable mobility.

Road Safety: A Collective Responsibility

Road safety remains a key priority for FADA. On Auto Dealers Day, September 19, dealerships across India screened an educational film developed by Sahayta Trust to equip employees with essential knowledge on assisting road accident victims during the crucial first few minutes following an accident.

The encouraging response in Bhopal, where more than 250 participants attended a traffic awareness programme, was particularly noteworthy. The Bhopal Police Commissioner subsequently directed schools to screen the video during assemblies and share it with senior students.

This initiative reinforces our belief that saving lives is a shared responsibility and demonstrates how industry-led initiatives, in collaboration with public authorities, can create a meaningful impact.

FADA Academy: Investing in People and Skills

FADA Academy, under the leadership of Mr C. S. Vigneshwar, Chairman, FADA Academy & Research, continued its efforts to build a future-ready automotive retail ecosystem, with a strong focus on technology adoption, capability development and skilled manpower.

A significant milestone was the launch of FADA’s first in-house training centre, established in collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), at M/s Ashok Auto Sales and M/s Manoram Autos in Agra.

The centre will provide training for key dealership roles, including service technicians for ICE and EV vehicles, service advisors, customer relationship executives, spare parts executives, works managers and sales executives.

FADA Academy has set an ambitious target of establishing 30 in-house training centres across India over the next six months. With the support of our State Chairpersons, discussions have commenced across several states.

Alongside skill development, FADA Academy also conducted the virtual session AI & Analytics for Future-Ready Automotive Retail, highlighting the growing relevance of artificial intelligence, analytics and data-driven decision-making in dealership operations.

A skilled workforce, supported by technology and effective training, is essential to improving operational efficiency, strengthening customer relationships and delivering sustainable growth.

Women in FADA: Building an Inclusive Industry

Through Women in FADA (WiF), we aim to create a meaningful platform for women in automotive retail to connect, exchange perspectives and collectively address practical dealership challenges.

During our first meeting with the WiF Core Committee, I emphasised that the platform must encourage active participation, meaningful collaboration and an inclusive environment. I encouraged the team to broaden its reach and create tangible value for members.

I also urge fellow dealers to encourage women in their families who are actively involved in automobile retail to join WiF. Greater participation will help build a more connected community and strengthen women's representation in the industry.

Strengthening Our Industry Verticals

The Two-Wheeler Vertical continues to address opportunities and challenges specific to this segment. In discussions with Mr Pranav Shah, Chairperson, and Mr Rajavel S., Co-Chair, we explored ways to strengthen representation across the country, including the appointment of Two-Wheeler Directors in each State.

FADA GenX, under the leadership of Chairman Mr Prasoon Gupta, launched its Foundational Membership Guide to encourage the next generation of automobile retail leaders to participate in the vertical, develop leadership capabilities and support a smooth intergenerational transition within dealerships.

Our objective is to ensure that every segment of automobile retail receives appropriate attention and that all members have a strong platform to share concerns, identify opportunities and contribute to the industry's collective progress.

State Chapters: Strengthening Grassroots Representation

Our State Chapters remain the backbone of FADA’s advocacy efforts. Through sustained engagement with State Governments and local authorities, they continue to address regulatory challenges, promote compliance and create a more conducive business environment for authorised automobile dealers.

FADA Rajasthan, under the leadership of Chairperson Mr Sourabh Agarwal, with the support of Governing Council Member Mr Sharvik Shah, is planning FADA’s First Auto Expo 2026 in Jaipur. This initiative presents an important opportunity to bring together industry stakeholders, showcase the strength of automobile retail and create new avenues for engagement and growth.

FADA Chhattisgarh, under Chairperson Mr Vivek Garg, has been engaging with the State Government on important regulatory issues, including trade certificate requirements, unauthorised multi-brand outlets and matters concerning electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

FADA Jammu & Kashmir, under Chairperson Mr Sanjay Aggarwal, secured a favourable, time-bound order for the issuance of Trade Certificates, marking an important step towards resolving a longstanding dealer concern.

FADA Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, led by Chairperson Mr Dinesh Agarwal, continued its engagement with the State Government and organised its first Regional Directors’ Meet to strengthen coordination and improve understanding of issues affecting automobile retail.

FADA Maharashtra, under Chairperson Mr Sachin Mahajan, organised a dealer meeting in Pune to review retail performance during the Ganpati season and assess preparedness for the Dussehra and Diwali festive period.

FADA Madhya Pradesh, under Chairperson Mr Ashish Pande, continued its road safety awareness efforts in Bhopal and organised a State-level town hall for two-wheeler dealers, encouraging focused discussions and stronger coordination.

FADA West Bengal, under Chairperson Mr Rohit Chowdhury, secured a suitable order from the State Government addressing the issue of unauthorised multi-brand outlets.

FADA Odisha, under Chairperson Mr Bimalendu Mohanty, held a meeting with dealers from the State, with FADA Secretary Mr Pradeep Agarwal also participating. Such interactions are essential to understanding dealer concerns and ensuring that local issues inform our wider advocacy agenda.

These initiatives demonstrate the importance of strong State Associations and sustained engagement with government authorities in addressing the operational and regulatory challenges faced by dealers.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger and Sustainable Automobile Retail Ecosystem

FADA’s initiatives reflect our collective commitment to strengthening authorised automobile retail in India.

As we move forward, FADA will continue to work constructively with the Government, automobile manufacturers and all industry stakeholders to encourage investment, promote fair and transparent business practices and place customer satisfaction at the forefront.

I firmly believe that a thriving domestic market, supported by a financially sustainable dealer network and an unwavering commitment to customer service, will provide the foundation for India to emerge as a truly globally competitive automotive powerhouse.

We will grow stronger as an industry only when we strengthen our domestic market, build equitable partnerships between OEMs and dealers, and ensure that our customers receive the highest standards of service. A sustainable and profitable dealer network is essential to achieving this vision.

Let us continue working together towards an industry where growth is sustainable, partnerships are equitable and every customer experiences the highest standards of service and trust.

Wishing all our members and their families a joyful festive season and a successful retail period.

Happy Festivities, Happy Selling!

Warm regards,

Sai Giridhar

President

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)