The multipronged impact derived from the volatility in fuel prices affects the growth of the automotive industry all over the world including India. The oil price highly influences the demand for automobiles; not only because the fuel is the energy for the automobiles, but also because of its indirect impact on the various inputs that goes in the production of automobiles, such as polymers, steel and aluminum.Further, hike in oil prices have an impact on inflation, affecting the savings and disposable income of the consumers, thereby affecting the demand for automobiles.

The multipronged impact derived from the volatility in fuel prices affects the growth of the automotive industry all over the world including India.

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) in its working paper observed that many nations, in recent years, have implemented policies towards the production and sale of fuel efficient vehicles in order to address the impact of oil prices on the automotive industry, besides addressing the concerns associated with the atmospheric pollution. The Government of India has also been encouraging the purchase of hybrid and electric vehicles through FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India). Under the scheme the demand incentive is available to the buyer in the form of an upfront reduced purchase price to enable wider adoption. But no subsidy is given to the manufacturer.

Under FAME the demand incentive is available to the buyer in the form of an upfront reduced purchase price to enable wider adoption. But no subsidy is given to the manufacturer.

As a result of these policies, manufacturers all over the world had, assuming stronger demand for improved fuel efficiency, invested heavily in technologies that improve fuel economy and lower carbon emissions. These product options were offered at a price premium with the expectation that the higher fuel economy would result in lower operating costs.On the other hand, lower fuel prices change the return on investment calculation for the consumers dramatically, and with oil prices staying relatively low over the last coupleof years, demand for these technologies has fallen as well.

Manufacturers all over the world had, assuming stronger demand for improved fuel efficiency, invested heavily in technologies that improve fuel economy and lower carbon emissions.

According to the Study, India holds a share of 4.9% in the global automobile production. The manufacture of auto components is gradually shifting towards Asian countries such as China, India and others because of higher market potential and low cost manufacturing options available.

The volume production of Indian Automobiles has registered a CAGR of over 7.1% during 2012-13 to 2017-18. The two wheeler segment constituted a major share of the total production of automobiles in the country which accounted 79.6% of the production in 2017-18, followed by passenger vehicles with a share of 13.8%, three wheelers at 3.5%, and commercial vehicles at 3.0%. By 2026, India is expected to be the third largest automotive market by volume in the world.Exports as a percentage of production has increased from 13.0% in 2010-11 to 13.9% in 2017-18, indicating the growing capability of the Indian Automobile industry to meet the international standards and increasing acceptance of automobiles manufactured from India in the global market.

The volume production of Indian Automobiles has registered a CAGR of over 7.1% during 2012-13 to 2017-18.

During the 2017-2018, the total production of vehicles registered a growth of 14.8%. The domestic sales of passenger vehicles registered a growth of 7.9% in 2017-18, commercial vehicles grew by 19.9% and two-wheelers grew by 14.8% over the corresponding period of the last year. Three Wheelers sales grew by 24.2% in 2017-2018 over the same period last year.Overall automobile exports grew by 16.1% in 2017-18. Two and three-wheeler segments registered an export growth of 20.3%, and 40.1% respectively, while passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles declined by (-) 1.5%and (-) 10.5% respectively in 2017-18.

During 2017-2018, the total production of vehicles registered a growth of 14.8%.

The Indian auto-components industry has also experienced a healthy growth over the last few years. A buoyant end-user market, improved consumer sentiment and return of adequate liquidity in the financial system are some of the factors attributable to this growth. The turnover of the Indian auto component industry has grown from USD 42.2 bn in 2011-12 to USD 43.5 bn in 2016-17. The exports of Auto components from India have grown at a CAGR of 4.4% from USD 8.8 bn in 2011-12 to USD 10.9 bn in 2016-17.

The Indian auto-components industry has also experienced a healthy growth over the last few years.

A stable policy framework, growing purchasing power, large domestic market, and an ever-increasing development in infrastructure have made India a favourable destination for investment in the automotive sector.

The Exim Bank research paper identified certain major areas that needs to be addressed on a sustained basis to maintain growth of the industry. This includes technology upgradation towards green environment through Research & Development; skill development including application of Information Technology to make the manpower tech savvy and development of appropriate infrastructure; encompassing elements such as battery recharge stations, wider network of CNG pumps, perhaps through public-private partnerships; among others. There is a need to initiate a programme for encouraging research and development in the Indian automotive industry, concentrating on development of intelligent vehicles adhering to safety standards, energy efficiency and emission norms, and alternate fuels. Also increased IT adoption in the automotive industry not only enhances the competitiveness of the industry in the existing markets, but also creates new markets for the Indian automotive industry.

Increased IT adoption in the automotive industry not only enhances the competitiveness of the industry in the existing markets, but also creates new markets for the Indian automotive industry.

Manpower shortages to cater to the R&D requirements, technology absorption, ICT intervention in the Indian automotive industry is a major concern. In this context, the Government and industry need to come togetherand address the challenges related to skill developmentand workforce shortages, both in terms of quantity andquality, said Mr. Prahalathan Iyer, Chief General Manager, Exim Bank of India. Mr. Iyer referred to the initiative taken by theUSA, over three decades ago, to establish a NationalInstitute for Automotive Service Excellence, which now providestraining testing, and certification of auto service andrepair professionals to ensure continuous availability oftrained technicians for the industry. Further, an enhanced dialogue with manufacturers and oilmarketing companies to establish a better infrastructurefor greener vehicles is the way ahead, Mr. Iyer added.

The Government and industry need to come together and address the challenges related to skill development and workforce shortages, both in terms of quantity and quality