AUTO INDUSTRY On the canvas of the Indian economy, automotive industry occupies a prominent place.

Due to its deep forward and backward linkages with several key segments of the economy, automotive industry has a strong multiplier effect and is capable of being the driver of economic growth. A sound transportation system plays a pivotal role in the country's rapid economic and industrial development. The well-developed Indian automotive industry ably fulfils this catalytic role by producing a wide variety of vehicles:passenger cars, light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, multi-utility vehicles such as jeeps, scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, three wheelers, tractors etc. Automotive Industry comprises of automobile and auto component sectors and is one of the key drivers of the national economy as it provides large-scale employment, having a strong multiplier effect. Being one of the largest industries in India, this industry has been witnessing impressive growth during the last two decades. It has been able to restructure itself, absorb newer technology, align itself to the global developments and realize its potential. This has significantly increased automotive industry's contribution to overall industrial growth in the country. The automotive industry (including components & tyres) has already attained a turnover of US$ 48.86 billion. The industry provides direct and indirect employment to 13.1 million people.The contribution of the automotive industry to GDP has risen from 2.77% in 1992-93 to 4.14% in 2008-09.The industry is also making a contribution of 17% to the kitty of indirect taxes of the Government. Growth Drivers of Indian Automobile Market Rising industrial and agricultural output Rising per capita income Favourable demographic distribution with rising working population and middle class Urbanisation Increasing disposable incomes in rural agri-sector Availability of a variety of vehicle models meeting diverse needs and preferences Greater affordability of vehicles Easy finance schemes Favourable government policies Robust production India's Position in World's Production Well-developed, globally competitive auto ancillary industry Established automobile testing and R&D centres Among one of the lowest cost producers of steel in the world Worlds second largest manufacturer of two wheelers Fifth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles Manufactures largest number of tractors in the world Ninth largest car manufacturer in world

Indian Ministry of Finance is under heavy pressure from auto industry to bring down excise duty for 2- and 3-wheelers from 16% to 8%. If the Ministry of Finance will decide to bring down excise duty, this move may boost significantly the entire segment of motorcycles in India. Two-wheeler segment, targeting low income population, is extremely price sensitive. The overall motorcycle market in India has been growing rapidly, reaching approximately 9 million units in 2007, at about 17% CAGR from 2004. The market is expected to grow further in 2008, up to approximately 11 million units.