NEW DELHI: The mobility summit Move organised by the government saw a host of global CEOs asking the government for a policy roadmap towards electric and hybrid technologies, seeking incentives for them in order to hasten the movement towards cleaner cars.
Top bosses and senior functionaries of companies such as Toyota,
Hyundai,
Suzuki, Honda, Ford, Nissan and Mahindra & Mahindra said they are ready to work on clean-fuel solutions.
Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki that controls Maruti, said the company will be launching EV in India by around 2020 in cooperation with Toyota. "… we seek the kind support of the government in terms of policy formulation," Suzuki said, adding that development of a "sufficient charging infrastructure" is critical.
Takeshi Uchiyamada, chairman of Toyota Motor, said the government should focus on both electric and hybrid technologies to tackle pollution and tail-pipe emissions. Toyota, he said, had the capability to provide all types of vehicles - electric, hybrid and fuelcell - and will work on solutions that are appropriate.
Tata Motors MD and CEO Guenter Butschek said the government should follow the 'CESS' approach regarding new-age mobility. "It means connected, electric, shared, and safe."
Euisun Chung, global vicechairman of Hyundai, said increasing instances of accidents, congestion and pollution are leading to a change from an automobile-based system to a smart-mobility model. "Vehicles are benefiting from rapid improvement in the areas of connectivity, electrification and intelligent safety technologies… We will launch three economic and smart EVs."
Anand Mahindra, chairman of the
Mahindra group, said the country needs to move towards an "integrated mobility solution" that links all kinds of transport offerings - including taxis, public, rail and air - on a single app to provide most cost-effective and green solutions. "Do this before
Google and
Uber get the idea. In line with theme of this conference, let's call this app 'Move'."
Osamu Suzuki (L) with Hyundai's Euisun Chung
