SIAM Annual Convention Highlights Transformative Role of AI Across Auto Sector

SIAM Annual Convention Highlights Transformative Role of AI Across Auto Sector

• 03/09/2026
• New Delhi

New Delhi, 3 September 2026: Special Plenary Session 2 at the 66th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), themed "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Across the Automotive Value Chain: Global Learnings," discussed how AI is transforming product development, manufacturing and customer experience in the automotive sector.

Speaking on 'AI Improving New Product Development Timelines', Mr. Alexander Will, Partner, McKinsey & Company, Greater China, said, "AI presents another re-platforming of engineering, potentially reshaping the speed of R&D. Agentic AI can enhance product and workforce performance, enabling engineers to focus more on decision-making and oversight. For India, AI in R&D could extend beyond productivity improvements and support the economic and technological viability of sustainable mobility."

Deliberating on 'The Increasing Role of AI in Shaping Automotive Customer Experience', Ms. Shivani Govil, Venture Partner, TBP Venture Fund and Former Senior Executive, Product Management, Developer 1P, Google, United States, said, "AI is reimagining the entire car experience, from buying and driving to maintenance, insurance and safety. As this transformation accelerates, ecosystem readiness across infrastructure, technology and supply chains will be critical. India's startup ecosystem, talent pool and focus on sustainability give it a unique opportunity to lead in this space."

Mr. Shunichi Kawamata, Senior Manager and APJ Lead for Industry Specialists and Solutions, Automotive and manufacturing, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Japan, spoke on 'Technology Developments for the Auto Sector in AI', highlighting, "AI can be the biggest accelerant or the biggest anchor for an organisation. It is changing how every role in a product team works, with connected and governed data enabling transformation across the enterprise. The real question is how quickly an organisation can turn this transformation into value for the customer."

Mr Santosh Iyer, Treasurer, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd., was also in attendance. The session concluded with a call for deeper collaboration between the auto industry and technology partners on AI adoption.

About SIAM

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is an apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. It is a society with charitable objectives registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Its objectives include enhancing the contribution of automobile industry to the growth and development of Indian economy, assisting the automobile industry to meet its social obligations and encouraging the efficiency of industry in general and automobile industry particularly in India. SIAM focuses on activities related to improvement of environment and ensuring safety and protection of automobile vehicle users and public at large. Recognising these objectives, SIAM has been granted registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961 as an institution with charitable purpose.

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