New Delhi, September 11, 2024 – In a significant shift for India’s automotive retail sector, C.S. Vigneshwar has been appointed the 37th President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The announcement was made during FADA’s 60th Annual General Meeting, followed by the 315th Governing Council Meeting, where the new leadership for 2024-26 was confirmed.
Vigneshwar, Managing Director of Anaamalais Toyota and leader of the diversified ARC Group, succeeds outgoing President Manish Raj Singhania. Known for his extensive experience in the automotive industry—spanning Toyota, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV), and Ather Energy—Vigneshwar has also been deeply involved in corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.
In his farewell speech, Singhania reflected on his tenure, highlighting key reforms such as the Model Dealer Agreement and increased collaboration between dealers and financial institutions. He also celebrated FADA’s role in shifting the industry’s focus from wholesale to retail figures—a milestone initiative that he believes will shape the future of auto retail in India.
Vigneshwar’s leadership promises to build on these advancements. He outlined a vision centered on safeguarding dealership interests through initiatives like the Retail Protection Act and furthering the implementation of the Model Dealer Agreement. With over 15,000 dealerships and more than 30,000 outlets employing five million people, Vigneshwar emphasized FADA’s role in driving innovation and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
Other key appointments include Sai Giridhar of Saisha Motors as Vice President, Amar Jatin Sheth of Group Shaman as Secretary, and Pradeep Agarwal of JMG Group as Treasurer, rounding out a team set to lead FADA’s efforts for the next two years.
With this leadership change, FADA marks a new chapter in its 60-year legacy, as the association continues to champion the interests of India’s auto retail sector amidst an evolving market landscape.
