SIAM Hosts 17th Styling & Design Conclave & 15th Automotive Design Challenge

The society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex automotive industry body organized the 17th SIAM Styling and Design Conclave and the 15th Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) on 12th January 2023 at Jaypee Green Resort, Greater Noida. Themed ‘Designing Aspirations for A Sustainable Tomorrow’, the conclave was graced by the presence of a number of renowned automotive designers who showcased zeal and enthusiasm in decoding the future trends of automobile styling in India. The conclave witnessed budding automotive designers giving us a glimpse on the future of automobile styling in India.

The Automotive Design Challenge (ADC) 2022, an annual design competition organised by SIAM, depicting new ideas on the future of automotive design. SIAM initiated the ADC to provide a platform to the aspiring automobile designers to showcase their talent and capitalize on the opportunities provided for the future. The top ten students were selected to presented their ideas, and further top-three winners of the ADC 2022 were awarded during the conclave.

In the welcome address, Sathiyaseelan G, Co-Chairman of SIAM Styling & Design Group and Vice President - Ashok Leyland, said “Today's session is going to be about sustainable tomorrow. But, the most important question is, "How are we going to build culturally inventive future?" I believe that cross-functional collaboration and interaction between academic institutions are critical.”

Setting the context, Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said “Hyundai has six design centres around the world where our designers collaborate to create innovative designs for each market. Our priority has always been to design products for the Indian market. At Hyundai, we have always strived to develop environmentally friendly solutions in order to make the world a better place.”

In his address, Dr Arun Jaura, Chief Technical Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Styling and Design are more than just creating beautiful cars, bikes, and trucks. Everything you do has an impact on the product's cost and sustainability. The design phase accounts for 80% of the ecological impact. When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, our products are now 98% recyclable.”

S Sivakumar, Head of Design, Royal Enfield, said, “I welcome you all at the 17th styling & design conclave SIAM, I like how a seed contains a tree in it. This image becomes physical by adding time and effort to it. The creator embarked on this journey of contemplative, multi-dimensional visualization not for their own benefit, but purely and intentionally for the benefit of the society”. 

Ajay Jain, Global Head - Design Strategy, Tata Motors, said, “I'm here representing Tata Motors and we talk a lot about sustainability and design talking on sustainability We currently have ten electric vehicles, six natural gas vehicles, and three hydrogen-powered vehicles. We are the leader in sustainable what we call sustainable mobility or energy consumption at Tata motors, talking about design, designers must strike a balance with nature.”

Address by Meerak Subba, Head - Design, Tork Motors, said, “When we talk about sustainability and aspirations for the future, we should focus more on what we are doing today and things we should not be doing. Sustainability canbe found in all aspects of life, from the smallest to the largest. We need to take better care of the next generation and the only way to do so is through sustainable measures. 

In the closing statement, Saurabh Singh, Head - Design, Maruti Suzuki, said “I am extremely grateful to have such distinguished professionals here to share their knowledge and expertise, I appreciate the panel taking the time to discuss. They have given us valuable insight and advice”.

The conclave culminated with the announcement of the top three winners from shortlisted students of ADC 2022. The top-three winners of the ADC 2022 were, Saikhom Krishnakanta (First), Ushneesh Saha (First Runner-Up), Yash Upadhyay (Second Runner-Up). The audience consisted of designing practitioners from Auto OEMs, component suppliers, design students, management executives from the automotive fraternity and other stakeholders.