The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the 20th SIAM Styling & Design Conclave along with the 18th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) in Goa under the theme “Collaborative Creativity: Building India’s Mobility Design Ecosystem.” The conclave brought together automobile designers, industry experts and academicians to discuss the changing role of styling and design in automotive development, shifting consumer expectations and the increasing importance of aesthetics, form and overall vehicle experience across segments.
As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen automotive design in India, SIAM highlighted the need to build deeper and more structured collaboration between industry, academia and the design community in order to advance domestic design capabilities. On the occasion, SIAM also launched a white paper titled “Evolution of Automotive Design in India.”
The Automotive Design Challenge provided a platform for young designers to present future-focused design concepts aligned with emerging mobility needs. A total of 53 students from design colleges participated in this edition of the competition.
In his inaugural address, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, stated that meaningful mobility solutions are shaped by the combined impact of sustainability, desirability and affordability, and that these pillars must work together to address local needs while meeting evolving environmental priorities.
G Sathiyaseelan, Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group and Design Director, Ashok Leyland, emphasised that user experience must be driven by empathy and solution-led thinking, with a focus on enabling gender-sensitive transportation and strengthening last-mile connectivity to create truly inclusive mobility solutions.
Andreas Kurbos, Founder and CEO, StudioKurbos GmbH, noted that as global design continues to evolve, India can create stronger international resonance by drawing from its cultural legacy, and that identity will become an increasingly powerful differentiator as design tools become more widely accessible. He also underlined the need to strengthen design education to shape future design capability.
Saurabh Singh, Co-Chairman, SIAM Styling & Design Group and Senior Vice President (Design & Modeling), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. added that thought-provoking and emotionally engaging dialogue is important to trigger deeper conversations and meaningful action and to build a more ambitious vision for the country’s automotive future.
During the conclave sessions, design and industry leaders shared perspectives on integrating aesthetics with functionality, material innovation, sustainability and design-led differentiation, along with emerging trends influencing next-generation styling. The programme also included a panel discussion on the importance of inculcating design thinking in automotive development, encouraging creative problem solving and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia to support new mobility solutions.
The final round evaluation of ADC was held during the conclave, where the top 10 students were recognised for their performance. Mr Chanakya Asangi from Strate School of Design was announced as the second runner-up, Mr Aman Mujawar from IIT Delhi as the first runner-up, and Mr Akshit Salunkhe from Ajeenkya DY Patil University as the first prize winner. The conclave concluded with an interactive session between design students and design professionals.
SIAM is the apex national body representing major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, SIAM functions with charitable objectives aimed at enhancing the automotive industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth and development, assisting the industry in meeting its social responsibilities and encouraging greater efficiency across the sector. SIAM also focuses on initiatives related to environmental improvement and the safety and protection of vehicle users and the public. Recognising these objectives, SIAM has been granted registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961 as an institution with charitable purpose.
