India's auto industry is one of the largest in the world, accounting for 7.1 percent of the nation's GDP according to IBEF. And, a GD on this topic is equally versatile, with topics ranging from the impact of foreign companies on Indian car production to the age old "Private cars versus Public transport" debate.
We have got together this set of important GD topics so that you can study every aspect of the automobile industry in detail. From the latest technology to the advancement of the sector as a whole, all topics are covered. We hope this helps!
Facts About the Indian Automobile Industry
- Indian automobile industry is growing at an exponential rate.
- The two wheeler segment with 80 percent market share is leading the Indian automobile market
- A growing middle class and rising working population and expansion into rural markets has led to overall passenger vehicle segment occupying 14 percent market share in 2016-2017.
- India is a key auto exporter and there are strong growth expectations for the future
- The PV and CV sectors or passenger and commercial vehicle exports registered a growth of 16.20 and 4.99 percent over April-March 2016
- Additionally many GoI initiatives and major market players are set to make India a world leader by 2020 in two and four wheeler markets.
Some Quotes You Can Use For Automobile GD
Manufacturing is more than just putting parts together. It's coming up with ideas, testing principles and perfecting the engineering, as well as final assembly.
-James Dyson
Electric cars are coal-powered cars. Their carbon emissions can be worse than gasoline-powered cars.
- Vinod Khosla
The car industry has invested a lot in hybrid, but my opinion is electric cars will take over a lot of hybrids quicker than people think now.
- Henrik Fisker
If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 MPG.
-Bill GatesKey Group Discussion Topics For Automobile Sector
1. Tesla Electric Cars- Will they Change the Way We Travel?
2. Ban on Diesel cars by NGT in Delhi?
3. Is India ready for Electric cars?
4. Should Driverless cars be allowed in India?
5. Impact of ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’ on our lives
6. Delhi’s Odd-Even Rule : A success?
7. Artificial intelligence and Cars – Pros and Cons
8. Ever growing air pollution levels – Where does the problem lie?
9. Would you Advocate a Car less Day for your City?
10. Microsoft Renault Cloud Connected Cars– The Way to the Future?
11. Are Low Cost Cars Better?
12. The Subsidy-Led, Asset-Light Cab Service Model is not Good for Drivers and Customers.
13. Can Four Wheelers Beat Two Wheelers?
14. Should Diesel Vehicles Be Banned?
15. Make in India will Benefit the Indian Automobile Sector.
16. Is the Chinese Automobile Market a Threat to India's Car Manufacturers?
17. Are Electric Cars The Solution to India's Pollution Problem?
18. Can India make a Driverless Car?
19. Automobile Industry in India: Pitfalls and Progress
20. Will TATA Motors Regain Its Top Position in the Automobile Industry?
21. Can Foreign Cars Disrupt India's Automotive Industry?
22. Paris Set to Ban Gas Powered Cars By 2030: Pros and Cons
23. Should Vehicles Older Than 15 Years Be Banned in India?
24. Congestion Charges for Urban Industries: Advantages and Disadvantages
25. Alternative Modes of Transport Should be Given Preference: Yes or No?
26. Should Builders Charge for Car Parking Space?
27. Public Transportation v/s Private Cars.
Following are some of the key things that you would find useful while talking on this topic: Opportunities for the Automobile Industry
Rising Demand
- Production of CV, PV, three wheelers and two wheelers grew at 5.4 percent in FY17 to 25.316044+ vehicles from 24,016599 vehicles in FY16. Sales are on the rise with PV recording 9.23 percent growth, CV around 4.16 and two wheelers at 6.89 percent respectively during Apr-March 2017.
- Additionally, electric vehicles sales have increased too. The sales rose by 37.5 percent to 22 thousand units during FY15-16 and poised to rise in terms of cheaper energy stores.
- GoI also has the vision to see 6 million electric and hybrid cars plying the streets by 2020.
Investments On The Rise
Automakers have started investing heavily in the segment of the industry. It has attracted USD 17.4 billion from 2000-2017, according to DIPP. JSW Energy's MoU with Gujarat government involves the setting up of INR 4000 crore worth electric car manufacturing unit to produce 2 lakh electric cars each year.
TATA Motors is set to invest INR 4000 crores in 2017; a major portion is allocated to passenger vehicles amounting to INR 2500 crores.
Tesla also has big plans for the Indian automobile sector
Other companies exploring the possibility of driverless cars include Audi, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra and Mahindra.
GOI initiatives
- GoI is poised to allow 100 percent FDI under the automatic route and foreign investment in the automobile industry.
- Additionally, the government has planned biofuel vehicles for road and water transportation and cut down of fossil fuel imports
- Custom duty on CBU of commercial vehicles will increase to 40 percent reducing the duty of ambulance chassis manufacturing to 12.5%
- Plans are afoot to introduce Green Urban Transport Scheme with central assistance of INR 25 thousand crore.
- Auto Mission Plan 2016-2026 is also on the anvil.
Challenges For the Indian Automobile Industry
- Although the Indian automobile industry has labour at low cost, skill is something the sector needs to work on, as well as R&D.
- Opportunities are there for investment and indirect employment to labour of differing skills.
- The automotive industry is expected to grow at 10-15 percent to reach USD 16.5 billion by 2021. Capacity to handle the growth in terms of infrastructure and automobile production units are critical.
Conclusion
The Indian automobile industry does not have a smooth road ahead. With the advent of driverless, hybrid and electric cars, there are all sorts of challenges as foreign players and advanced technology enters the market. We hope you find this introduction to a GD on automobile sector and the expected topics useful for your preparation!
