The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has elected Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ashok Leyland Ltd, as its President for 2026-27. The decision was taken at the Executive Committee Meeting of SIAM held in New Delhi. Mr Agarwal, who previously served as Vice President of SIAM, succeeds Shailesh Chandra, Immediate Past President of SIAM and Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.
The automobile industry body also elected K N Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO of TVS Motor Company, as Vice President for 2026-27. Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd, has been appointed Treasurer for the same term.
The new leadership assumes office at a time when India’s automobile industry is undergoing significant changes across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and other mobility segments. Technology adoption, vehicle safety, environmental sustainability, manufacturing competitiveness and changing customer preferences continue to influence the direction of the sector.
As the apex national body representing major automobile and vehicular engine manufacturers in India, SIAM works with industry stakeholders and policymakers on issues affecting the development of the automotive sector. The organisation focuses on strengthening the contribution of the automobile industry to the Indian economy while supporting initiatives related to road safety, environmental protection, technological development and responsible industry practices.
SIAM also works towards improving efficiency across the automobile sector and facilitating dialogue between manufacturers, government authorities and other stakeholders. Its activities cover areas including emissions, vehicle safety, sustainable mobility and the broader development of India’s automotive ecosystem.
The organisation represents major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers operating in India and functions as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. SIAM has charitable objectives aimed at supporting economic development and addressing the industry’s wider social responsibilities.
The association’s work on environmental improvement and safety is focused on protecting vehicle users and the public while supporting the continued development of the automobile industry. The new office bearers will lead SIAM during the 2026-27 term and will represent the interests of the automobile manufacturing industry on key policy and industry matters.
The leadership transition comes as India continues to strengthen its position as an important global automobile manufacturing and mobility market. With manufacturers investing in new technologies, products and production capabilities, SIAM is expected to continue its role as an industry platform for collaboration and policy engagement.
The election of Mr Agarwal, Mr Radhakrishnan and Mr Iyer marks the beginning of a new leadership term for SIAM, with the three industry executives bringing experience across commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and luxury passenger vehicles to the association’s executive leadership. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex national body representing leading manufacturers of automobiles and vehicular engines in India. Registered as a society with charitable objectives under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, SIAM works to strengthen the automobile industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth and development while promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.
SIAM seeks to support the industry in fulfilling its social responsibilities, enhance operational efficiency and promote the overall growth of the automotive sector in India. Its key areas of focus include environmental sustainability, vehicle safety and the protection of automobile users and the general public. In recognition of its charitable objectives and activities, SIAM has been granted registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961 as an institution established for charitable purposes.
