The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India’s premier body representing the automobile retail industry, has named C.S. Vigneshwar as its 37th President for the term 2024-26. This leadership change was formalized at FADA’s 315th Governing Council Meeting, following its 60th Annual General Meeting.
A Visionary Leader in the Auto Sector
C.S. Vigneshwar, the Managing Director of Anaamalais Toyota, Coimbatore, is no stranger to the automotive world. With successful dealerships for Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV) and Ather Energy, his business empire extends beyond cars. His ARC Group boasts ventures in sectors like goods transportation, packaged foods, green energy, FMCG distribution, and even education, all with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative human resources strategies.
With 16 years on VECV’s Apex Consultative Committee and over a decade of experience with Toyota’s Dealer Council, Vigneshwar brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role at FADA. Additionally, he’s served FADA for the past 12 years and is a prominent figure in Coimbatore as the Area Commander of the Home Guards.
FADA’s New Leadership Team
Along with Vigneshwar, FADA also introduced its leadership team for the upcoming term:
- Sai Giridhar, Managing Director of Saisha Motors Pvt. Ltd. (Skoda, Volvo Cars, MG Motors), based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, steps up as Vice President.
- Amar Jatin Sheth, Managing Director of Group Shaman (Honda Cars, Volkswagen, Triumph) from Mumbai, Maharashtra, assumes the role of Secretary.
- Pradeep Agarwal, Managing Partner of JMG Group (Hero MotoCorp) from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, was elected as Treasurer.
Celebrating the Outgoing President’s Legacy
FADA expressed deep gratitude to outgoing President Manish Raj Singhania, who spearheaded crucial reforms over his tenure. Under his leadership, the Model Dealer Agreement gained traction, with two major brands adopting the agreement and others in advanced stages. He also strengthened relationships between auto dealers and financial institutions, improving industry cooperation on pivotal issues. Notably, his efforts pushed the focus on retail figures over wholesale, a key initiative that’s now widely recognized by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Reflecting on his tenure, Singhania said, “It has been an honour to lead FADA during a transformative period for the auto retail sector. I am proud of the milestones we achieved, including significant industry collaborations and financial improvements that will benefit dealers for years to come.”
Vigneshwar’s Bold Agenda for FADA’s Future
As the newly appointed President, C.S. Vigneshwar has ambitious plans for the future. Speaking on his new role, he remarked, “As FADA celebrates its 60th anniversary, we not only look back on our achievements but focus on what lies ahead. The next two years will be crucial as we prioritize key initiatives like the Retail Protection Act and expand the reach of the Model Dealer Agreement.”
Vigneshwar aims to strengthen FADA’s network of 15,000 dealerships and 30,000+ outlets, which provide employment to over 5 million people. His mission is clear: to elevate the role of auto dealerships, drive innovation, and ensure the sustainable growth of the auto retail industry. “Together, we will create a lasting legacy, protecting our businesses, employees, and customers,” he added.
A Bright Future for Auto Retail in India
Under Vigneshwar’s visionary leadership, FADA is set to navigate the evolving automotive landscape, pushing forward reforms and advocating for dealership growth. The organization’s continued focus on innovation and partnerships promises to shape the future of auto retail, ensuring long-term success for the industry and its stakeholders.
