Manesar, India – In a significant move showcasing India’s advancements in automotive innovation, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) today. The visit underscored India’s growing stature in the global automotive sector, with ICAT at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development.
During his first visit to ICAT, the minister toured its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, testing tracks, and specialized units for crash tests, acoustic analysis, and fuel flow studies. Notably, he laid the foundation stone for the Electrical & Electronics Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Automotive IT Services (AAITS). The event was attended by Dr. Tejaswi S. Naik, IAS, PS to the Minister (HI), and Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT, alongside other senior officials.
Speaking after the tour, Kumaraswamy praised ICAT’s commitment to safety and sustainability. “ICAT represents India’s ambition and potential in automotive excellence. Its world-class facilities are not just about testing but about redefining the future of mobility for India and the world,” he remarked.
The minister highlighted ICAT’s vital role in ensuring road safety, noting the rigorous testing processes and advanced technologies employed to enhance vehicle reliability. He emphasized the broader impact of such efforts on improving safety for millions of road users.
A Driving Force for Electric Mobility and Innovation
Kumaraswamy also applauded ICAT’s contributions to pivotal government initiatives like the FAME scheme, PM eDrive, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He acknowledged ICAT’s efforts in fostering indigenous manufacturing and enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global automotive market.
“ICAT’s work aligns seamlessly with our vision of sustainable and electric mobility,” the minister stated. “From promoting clean energy solutions to supporting the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles, ICAT has proven itself as a cornerstone of India’s mobility ambitions.”
Building a Global Automotive Hub
The minister stressed ICAT’s integral role in supporting India’s automotive industry, which contributes over 7% to the national GDP. He noted that the center’s technical expertise, research, and homologation services are critical to ensuring sustainable and competitive growth.
“ICAT is not merely a testing facility; it is the embodiment of India’s aspirations to be a global leader in automotive technology,” Kumaraswamy said. “Together, we aim to ensure that Indian vehicles meet the highest safety, sustainability, and performance standards.”
Commitment to Growth and Collaboration
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ support for ICAT. Kumaraswamy assured that the government remains steadfast in fostering innovation, building infrastructure, and creating robust policies to advance the nation’s automotive industry.
“India is poised to become a leader in automotive innovation, and ICAT will play a pivotal role in this journey. With sustained efforts, we can deliver safer, smarter, and better vehicles for customers worldwide,” he concluded.
As one of the divisions of the National Automotive Board under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, ICAT continues to lead as a world-class provider of automotive testing, certification, and research services, setting the benchmark for India’s automotive future.
