50-member Indian delegation to participate in SAE

An Indian delegation would be participating in the SAE World Congress 2006 to be held at Detroit from April 3 to 6, 2006 to acquire engineering innovation and strengthen business partnerships.

The 50-member delegation will explore ways to boost Indian auto exports and technology partnerships at the congress. The four-day event is set to commence at Cobo Centre, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

India's automotive exports is projected to grow by over 30 per cent to touch 0.85 million units in 2005-06 from 0.6 million in 2004-05. It is slated to grow faster in the coming years. On the component front, auto component exports are expected to touch $2.6 billion in 2006-07, recording more than 100 per cent growth from the $1.2 billion of 2004-05.

In a press statement on the Indian contingent's business agenda and objectives, M S Kumar, senior vice-president, SAE India, said, "India's strength in product design and manufacture of components according to world-class standards at low cost is attracting global majors to have a foothold here. Abundant availability of qualified engineers in mechanical, electrical, IT, and electronics and respect for intellectual property rights are making India more and more attractive."

"The theme this year, 'Driving Innovation through Partnerships', rightly mirrors our objective. We are looking to play a rightful role in driving the research and development and innovation in the global auto sector," he added.

This year's congress will feature the largest exhibitor list from India till date, numbering 18 companies including Kalyani Forge, Lucas-TVS, Rico Auto, Sundaram Industries and Wheels India and ACMA. Three Indians "� V Ganesan, IIT Chennai, M K G Babu, IIT, Delhi, and V Sumantran, formerly with Tata Motors "� will be conferred the SAE International Fellowship for their outstanding contribution to the automotive industry.