Bilkul Bazaar | By Rafat Quadri
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 19 December 2025:
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) successfully concluded the latest edition of FADA Vyapar Gujarat in Ahmedabad, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a national mobility powerhouse. Held under the theme “Viksit Gujarat Ki Raftaar,” the conclave aligned with the state’s long-term vision of “Viksit Gujarat @2047” and highlighted the automobile retail sector’s role in driving economic growth and employment.
The one-day conclave witnessed participation from over 250 delegates, including automobile dealers and industry stakeholders from across the region.
The event was inaugurated by Rajesh R. Gandhi, Senior Vice President of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as Chief Guest, along with Govind Sinha, Deputy General Manager, State Bank of India, Ahmedabad, as Guest of Honour. They were joined by senior FADA leadership comprising C. S. Vigneshwar, President, FADA; Pranav Shah, Chairperson, FADA Gujarat; and Amar J. Sheth, Secretary, FADA.
A message from Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, was read out during the inaugural session. In his message, he noted that FADA’s journey since 1964 as the apex body of India’s automobile retail industry has been commendable. He highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to employment generation, financial inclusion, and skill development, particularly at the MSME and grassroots levels.
Emphasising the relevance of the theme, he stated that automobile dealers play a critical role in translating policy vision into on-ground momentum. He further said that FADA’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and green mobility aligns closely with Gujarat’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development under Viksit Gujarat @2047, and expressed confidence that such initiatives would continue to strengthen collaboration and economic progress.
Addressing the gathering, C. S. Vigneshwar said Gujarat’s entrepreneurial strength and rapid adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles position it as more than just a market, but a true mobility hub. He reiterated FADA’s role as an institutional bridge between policy intent and business realities. He also shared an important update on the Compensation Cess issue, stating that the Supreme Court has admitted FADA’s writ petition and issued notice to the Government, marking a key step toward safeguarding dealer interests. He emphasised the need to bridge the skilled manpower gap through initiatives such as the FADA Academy to ensure dealerships are future-ready, adding that FADA acts as a comprehensive safety net for dealers.
He further noted that since 1964, FADA has served as a vital link between the Government, OEMs, and dealers, championing data transparency, model dealer agreements, skill development, and inclusivity through initiatives such as the FADA Academy, Women in FADA (WIF), and GenX. He added that FADA continues to pursue key reforms, including the implementation of CMVR and resolution of the Compensation Cess issue, to protect business continuity.
Saharsh Damani, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), said, “FADA Vyapar Gujarat reflects the strong momentum of Gujarat’s automobile retail ecosystem and its ability to drive national mobility growth. With over 250 industry stakeholders coming together, the conclave reinforced the importance of financial discipline, regulatory clarity, and skill development in building future-ready dealerships. As the industry transitions toward greener and technology-led mobility, FADA remains committed to supporting dealers by aligning policy, innovation, and on-ground execution in line with the vision of Viksit Gujarat @2047.”
The conclave featured a series of focused knowledge sessions aimed at improving dealership viability and operational efficiency. Hemal N. Thakkar from Crisil Intelligence led a session on financial prudence and sustainable dealership management. An interactive discussion on vehicle registration processes was conducted by Vinita Yadav, In-charge Deputy Director, along with officials from the Commissionerate of Transport, Government of Gujarat. Nitesh Jain of N. J. Jain & Associates delivered a detailed session on GST compliance and key taxation challenges faced by auto dealers. A special leadership and management session was delivered by G. D. Bakshi, focusing on strategic resilience and lessons drawn from “Operation Sindoor.” Industry briefings were also held on High-Security Registration Plates by FTA HSRP Solutions and on vehicle exchange strategies by Spinny.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising partners and a special acknowledgment of Surendra Sharma, Managing Director of Sharma Cars Pvt. Ltd., for his contribution to the industry. With strong participation and active engagement, FADA Vyapar Gujarat emerged as a significant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange within the automobile retail ecosystem.
Founded in 1964, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) is the apex national body representing India’s automobile retail industry, encompassing sales, service, and spares across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles, and tractors. FADA represents over 15,000 automobile dealerships with more than 30,000 outlets across the country, employing approximately five million people.
FADA actively engages with industry stakeholders and authorities at both central and state levels, providing inputs on auto policy, taxation, vehicle registration procedures, road safety, and environmental sustainability to support the continued growth of India’s automobile retail trade.
Knowledge Sessions Focus on Dealership Efficiency and Compliance
The conclave featured expert-led sessions on financial prudence, GST compliance, vehicle registration, leadership resilience, and evolving business models, offering dealers practical guidance to strengthen operations and remain future-ready.
Collaboration Strengthens Gujarat’s Future Mobility Vision
The event fostered meaningful dialogue among policymakers, financiers, and industry leaders on green mobility, skill development, and technology adoption, reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a driver of India’s next phase of mobility growth.
(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)
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