The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, released the Automotive Mission Plan 2006-2016 here today. The mission plan will be the blue print for the growth of the Indian Automotive Industry. It has been prepared by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India in collaboration with the Indian Automotive Industry.

Releasing the Mission Plan the Prime Minister said that India would emerge as a major centre for the automotive industry. He complimented the Indian Automotive Industry for the steps taken to improve the competitiveness of Indian brands. He complimented Mr. Ratan Tata and Mr. Brijmohan Lal Munjal for their leadership in this regard. The Prime Minister said that the Government would be a partner in the development of the Indian Automotive Industry.

In the light of growing global concern about climate change the Prime Minister urged the Indian Automotive Industry to invest in energy efficient and environment friendly technologies. He said that developed countries must accept their due burden in this regard for they have been the biggest polluters. Developing countries cannot be asked to take on the obligations of developed countries and must be helped in addressing the challenge of climate change.

The Prime Minister urged Indian companies to think ahead and adopt fuel-efficient technologies and technologies that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.