Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex automobile industry body, organised the 18th SIAM Styling and Design Conclave alongside the 16th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) on 22nd March 2024 at Hotel Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The theme of the conclave was “Designing for Aspiring India”, focusing on the future of vehicle styling and design in India. The event brought together several experienced automobile designers from India and abroad to share their ideas and inputs, for shaping the future of aesthetic design of vehicles.
The Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) 2023, an esteemed annual design competition organized by SIAM, was held during the conclave. The ADC served as a platform for aspiring automobile designers to showcase their talents and envision the future of automotive styling & design. Following a rigorous selection process, the top ten students were chosen to present their innovative concepts during the conclave.
Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, highlighted the role of indigenous designs stating that :
In the welcome address, Mr G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group, said :
In the keynote address, Mr Luciano D’ Ambrosio, Founder, LDA Design, Italy said :
The first session themed, “Technology Innovation as an Enabler for Design”, opened by Mr A Dhanasekaran, Assistant General Manager, Ashok Leyland, further adding to the session, Mr Nikhil Rane, Head – Design & Innovation, Adient India, said :
Mr Debrup Sanyal, Design Studio Manager, Estech India, Mr S. Anbuchezhian, Head – D&ME, S&R and IP, Apollo Tyre, Ms Shweta Kumari, Head – Colour Designer, Kansai Nerolac, and Mr Sathish Kumar, Manager – Application Engineer India & SE Asia, Stratasys, were also present in the session.
The second session themed, “Designing for Global Aspirations” began with an address by Mr Pankaj Dhamane, Sr. General Manager, Mahindra & Mahindra. Further the session saw participation from Mr Ferdinand Klauser, Managing Director, KISKA Shanghai, said, “We really want to be practical on where to play what to play and how to execute. We as designers are change-makers and must make a positive impact.”
Mr Dinesh Raman, Senior Design Manager, KISKA Shanghai, said :
Mr Rajesh Gogu, Head – Exterior & Advanced Design, Maruti Suzuki India, said :
Mr Utkarsh Biradar, Chief Designer, Tata Elxsi, said :
The third session was a panel discussion themed on, “Fostering Industry – Academia Partnership” moderated by Mr Saurabh Singh, Head – Design, Maruti Suzuki, India and saw participation from Prof. Vipul Vinzuda, Head – Transportation Design, NID Ahmedabad, Prof. Thomas Dal, Director – Dean, Strate School of Design, Ms Alka Madhan, Director Strategy, MIT Institute of Design, Mr Bikash Jyoti Biswas, Head – Design, Ather Energy and Mr G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group. The participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between the industry and academia leaders on strategies to support and nurture young designers, emphasizing the importance of talent and innovation in driving the automotive sector forward.
The conclave concluded with the announcement of the top-three winners of the ADC 2023, showcasing the best emerging talent in automotive styling & design. Likhith Sarvareddy from Strate School of Design was declared the first prize winner followed by Vinayak Tiwari from Ajeenkya DY Patil University and Bhujang Sakore from National Institute of Design who emerged as the first and second runner-up.
The diverse audience, including designing practitioners from Automobile OEMs, Component Suppliers, Technology Suppliers, Design Students, Faculty Members and other stakeholders, contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives throughout the event.
About SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is an apex national body representing major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. It is a society with charitable objectives registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Its objectives include enhancing the contribution of the automobile industry to the growth and development of the Indian economy, assisting the automobile industry in meeting its social obligation, encouraging the efficiency of the industry in general, particularly in India, and improving and protecting the environment, including global warming, pollution control, and safety of automobile vehicle users and the public at large. Recognizing these objectives, SIAM has been granted registration under the Income Tax Act 1961 as an institution with a charitable purpose.