FM must take front seat to drive auto sector’s growth agenda

Comments print
Vinesh Kriplani:  Feb 23 2013, 03:51 IST
The Union Budget 2013 will be presented at the time when the Indian automotive sector faces an uphill task in recovering its growth momentum. The strong comeback story of the automotive sector in 2010 and 2011 was followed by a tepid growth rate in 2012 and the performance in fiscal 2012-13 looks no different. In recent times, where India has successfully announced its potential to host the world’s costliest auto sport, Formula One India Grand Prix, sending positive signals to the world automotive economy, auto sales have strangulated amidst high interest rates, towering fuel prices, the ever-depreciating rupee, coupled with the general economic slowdown. Some of the investments have also been held back in view of the uncertainty.

The Indian auto component sector, being predominantly dependent on domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is also facing a sluggish growth. Global OEMs are increasingly shifting to indigenous production to reduce rising imports bills due to the volatile currency market, which could provide the next growth avenue for component players. While global OEMs are becoming indigenous, exports to their group entities could also grow with the focus on quality and international standards. The finance minister could restore sops in the form of export-linked incentives for companies meeting international quality standards to increase competitiveness among players to exploit this opportunity.

On a macro level, the Indian economy is on the verge of witnessing major tax and corporate reforms with the DTC, GST and the Companies Bill just around the corner. The recently concluded meet of

... contd.

Ads by Google
   1 | 2 | 3 | Next
Previous Story  IT services sector seeks much-needed relief Next Story  For sake of Taj Mahal, Agra to become solar city
Reader's Comments| Post a Comment

Be the first to comment.

Post your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *
Email *
Message *
 
captcha
please enter the above characters in the box below