Mumbai, NFAPost: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex national body of Automobile Retail in India, announced the appointment of Vinkesh Gulati as FADA’s 35th President for the year 2020-22.
He is also the first President from Uttar Pradesh. This decision was made at the 298th Governing Council Meeting which was held immediately after the 56th Annual General Meeting of the Federation.
Vinkesh Gulati is the Director of United Automobiles, based out of Allahabad and Faridabad. United Automobiles has been involved in the Auto Dealership business since 1985 and are dealers for Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Auto.
Elevation of members
United Automobiles is part of the United Group, which started as Transport Business in 1951. The Group expanded its activities in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi by opening Educational Institutes, Auto Dealerships, Diagnostic Centres, Newspaper Publication and Medical Science as it established United Medicity, a 1,000-bed hospital in Allahabad.
The Council also elevated the following for the year 2020-22:
- Manish Raj Singhania, Managing Partner – Ralas Motors, Raipur (Dealer for Mahindra & Mahindra) as the Vice President;
- Chittur Selvakumar Vigneshwar, Deputy Managing Director – Anaamalais Toyota, Coimbatore (Dealer for Toyota, VECV and Benelli) as the Secretary;
The Council unanimously elected Sai Giridhar – Director, Saisha Motors Pvt. Ltd. – Jaipur (Dealer for Skoda Auto) as the Treasurer for the year 2020-22.
BS-4 vehicle
FADA India places on record its appreciation for the immense contribution made by Kale over the last two years as the President of the Federation. Under his leadership, FADA took many pathbreaking steps with the likes of releasing Auto Retail Registration figures to releasing Vehicle registration-based OEM wise market share and taking up the cause of unsold BS-4 vehicles in Supreme Court and getting an almost favourable judgement.
Under his aegis, the Federation was made discernible as the most relevant body vis-à-vis the auto retail sector, in the eyes of the policymakers, OEMs, Auto Dealers and other industries allied to us. FADA has also played a key role in bringing together the Auto Dealers under its umbrella as Federation membership touched record highs.
On giving the baton to Vinkesh Gulati, Kale said he congratulates his friend and colleague Vinkesh Gulati on taking over as the President of this Prestigious Association.
Dealer issues
“Having worked with him, I am extremely confident that his methodical working style and Bold Approach towards solving Dealer Issues is what will take FADA to the next Level and further unite and strengthen the dealership community,” said Kale.
Kale also expressed his gratitude to all colleagues at FADA and the Auto Eco System, as well as from the media for all the encouragement and support they gave to FADA during his Tenure.
Commenting on his appointment as the new FADA President, Vinkesh Gulati said he is is extremely humbled and honoured that the Federation has placed its trust in him in taking up the position of next FADA President, an organisation with has a momentous past and an exciting future.
“We are a resilient lot and Covid has once again taught us to make tough decisions to ensure that our dealerships survive. During my tenure, I will rigorously take up dealer Issues of Improving Dealership Profitability may it be Dealer Margins, Franchise Act or coming under the ambit of MSME,” said Vinkesh Gulati.
Automobile market
Despite these current challenges, Vinkesh Gulati said India has the potential to soon become the third-largest automobile market in the world.
“We can truly fulfil our government’s vision of making India a global leader in Automobiles if our ecosystem works in unison – Government, SIAM, ACMA & FADA,” said Vinkesh Gulati.
Founded in 1964, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), is the apex national body of automobile retail industry in India engaged in the sale, service and spares of 2/3 Wheelers, Passenger Cars, UVs, Commercial Vehicles (including buses and trucks) and Tractors.
FADA India represents over 15,000 automobile dealers having 26,500 dealerships including multiple Associations of Automobile Dealers at the Regional, State and City levels representing the entire Auto Retail Industry. Together we employ ~4 million people at dealerships and service centres.
FADA India, at the same time also actively networks with the industries and the authorities, both at the Central & State levels to provide its inputs and suggestions on the Auto Policy, Taxation, Vehicle Registration Procedure, Road Safety and Clean Environment, etc. to sustain the growth of the Automobile Retail Trade in India.
