National Automotive Board To Boost Sector Soon

Published: Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 11:30 [IST]

The Indian government is planning to set up the National Automotive Board that will oversee the sustained development of the auto industry in the country. The new body is expected to be set up this April. The board will act as a facilitator between the government and the industry.

A government official speaking about the National Automotive Board has stated: "The proposed National Automotive Board (NAB), which is being finalised by the Department of Heavy Industry, is likely to be cleared by the Cabinet in a month."

The board will also act as a think tank on the auto industry for the government. It will assist in making policy decisions on hybrid and electric cars. The board will have members from the Department of Heavy Industry, Planning Commission and from various ministries, including Road Transport and Highways, Science and Technology, Environment and Forests. Besides, there would be scientists and industry representatives on the board.

The Natioal Automotive Board will replace the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP). NATRIP was set up to improve the existing automotive testing centres and to create new ones. Its task has been completed and it will be succeeded by the new board, a government official has stated.

The government has taken an increased interest in the auto sector considering the high growth it has registered in recent years. It has observed the potential of the sector to grow further and generate revenue. The automotive industry can become an export driven industry and become a major source of income and employment to the government.