SIAM proposes to support Kolkata auto fair

KOLKATA: The first auto-expo of the eastern region being held at the maidan, ends on Wednesday.
However, next year citizens of Kolkata might be in for a bigger and better experience. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, which co-sponsors the Asia auto-expo in Delhi, has shown interest towards co-hosting the auto expo with the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation.
"We had discussions with SIAM officials on the day of the inauguration and right now we are discussing the specifics." said WBTIDC managing director Dhiman Mukherjee.
SIAM, the apex national association representing the auto industry was incorporated as AIAM over 39 years ago. SIAM was formed in 1998, and all the members of AIAM have now become its members. SIAM assistant director Atanu Ganguly admitted they had discussions with WBTIDC regarding this.
"We will be putting the proposal before our members. This is a unique thing for us as we have not hosted an auto-fair outside Delhi before. There are many discussions to be had on the specifics of the terms and conditions. It is a long process. We also need to work out the various ways in which we can assist the WBTIDC." he said from Delhi.
Mukherjee pointed out that the proposal at present is that Delhi and Kolkata host the fairs in alternate years. This will ensure that none of the fair exhausts the participants of the other fair. It will also ensure the fairs are complementary rather than competitive. Participants will also not be financially burdened by two fairs in one year.
SIAM being the all India body, could bring in manufacturers to the fair. Thus, one might expect the Kolkata fair to be organised on a much bigger scale with mega players participating. "Their expertise is much more. They have an established set up and much better resources and finances." Mukherjee said. "This is an extreme morale booster for us, considering this is our very first attempt." Mukherjee said.