'Auto Industry Has transformed From Cost-Centric To Quality-Centric': Nitin Gadkari At HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025
At the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted India's transition from cost-focused automobile manufacturing to prioritizing quality. He discussed advancements in EV infrastructure, domestic battery production and alternative fuels.
'Auto Industry Has transformed From Cost-Centric To Quality-Centric': Nitin Gadkari At HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025
At the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized a shift in India’s automobile industry from a cost-focused approach to prioritizing quality. He highlighted developments in EV infrastructure, battery production and alternative fuels.
Speaking at the summit, Nitin Gadkari noted that India’s automotive sector has moved from a cost-reduction focus to producing high-quality vehicles for global markets. He remarked that the competition is growing, cautioning industry leaders about emerging players in the electric vehicle sector.
Gadkari announced the approval of a flash charging system in Nagpur, aimed at expanding the EV charging network across India. He also addressed India’s lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that domestic lithium availability will reduce import dependency and support local EV battery manufacturing.
He further noted that the price of lithium-ion batteries has dropped from $150 to $100 per kWh. He predicted that within the next six months, electric vehicle prices would align with those of petrol and diesel vehicles.
Gadkari reiterated his support for alternative fuels, including ethanol. He mentioned India’s progress from E10 to E20 ethanol blending and discussed future plans for E100. He also stressed the importance of biofuels in shaping the country’s transport sector.
According to Gadkari, India recently became the third-largest automobile market, surpassing Japan. He expressed confidence that, driven by alternative fuels and biofuels, India would become the world’s top automotive market within the next five years. Currently, the USA holds the top spot, followed by China.
Gadkari stated that in the next two years, India’s highway network will surpass that of the USA. He also projected that logistics costs would drop to 9% by the end of the year, which could increase exports by 1.5 times.
The summit covered discussions on EV technology, charging infrastructure and India’s potential in global automobile exports under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Also Read
Log in to post a comment.
End Article
Toyota Innova Crysta Limo Launched for Fleet Applications; Prices Start at Rs 19.95 Lakh
BSA Thunderbolt 350 Unveiled at EICMA 2026: Gets 334cc Engine and Rally-Inspired Design
Moto Morini Camel Unveiled at EICMA 2026: Gets 670cc Engine, 250mm Suspension Travel
Kawasaki Z650 S Launched in India at Rs 7.59 Lakh; Gets Revised Styling and New Features
CFMoto V4 SR-RR Unveiled at EICMA 2026, Gets 210bhp V4 Engine
Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory, EDX Launched in India: Price, Engine, Features and More
KTM 450 RC Unveiled at EICMA 2026: Gets 56bhp Parallel-Twin Engine, India Launch Ruled Out
You