Shailesh Chandra Named OICA President Hildegard Muller Elected Vice-President

• In a landmark development, Shailesh Chandra , Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility , has been elected President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA) — becoming the first Indian industry leader to head the global association of automobile manufacturers. Hildegard Müller , President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), has been elected as Vice-President .

India’s Growing Global Influence

• Chandra’s election reflects India’s rising prominence in the global automotive landscape, especially in electric mobility and sustainable transport . As President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) , he has been a key voice in promoting EV adoption, local manufacturing, and the transition to clean mobility. His appointment to OICA signals India’s strengthened role in shaping international standards and policies in the auto sector.

Role and Relevance of OICA

• Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Paris, OICA serves as the global platform representing national auto associations and major vehicle manufacturers. It coordinates international cooperation on vehicle safety, emissions, trade, and technology neutrality . Under Chandra’s leadership, OICA is expected to focus on harmonising global regulations , advancing carbon-neutral mobility , and building resilient supply chains amid geopolitical and environmental disruptions.

Policy and Industry Agenda

Key areas of focus for Chandra’s tenure include:

• Global harmonisation of safety and emission standards (e.g., crash tests, WLTP/CAFÉ norms).

• Promoting EV charging and hydrogen refuelling interoperability .

• Strengthening battery-material supply chain diversification and recycling frameworks .

• Enhancing cybersecurity and governance for software-defined vehicles.

• Encouraging pragmatic decarbonisation pathways that balance global goals with local realities.

Exam Pointers

• Shailesh Chandra: First Indian OICA President

• Vice-President: Hildegard Müller (Germany)

• OICA Founded: 1919, Paris

• Chandra’s Positions: MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles; President, SIAM

• Focus: EV transition, global standards, safety, sustainability

Significance for India

Chandra’s leadership at OICA provides India with a stronger voice in global automotive standardisation, trade alignment, and sustainable mobility policy . It underscores India’s evolution from a manufacturing hub to a policy influencer in shaping the future of zero-emission and intelligent vehicles .