Parul
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body representing automobile retail in India, has appointed C S Vigneshwar as its 37th President for the 2024-26 term. The announcement was made during the 315th Governing Council Meeting, held after FADA’s 60th Annual General Meeting. Vigneshwar, Managing Director of Anaamalais Toyota in Coimbatore, also manages dealerships for Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV) and Ather Energy. His business group, ARC, has diversified interests, including goods transportation, packaged foods, green energy, and FMCG distribution.
Vigneshwar brings extensive industry experience, having served on the Toyota Dealer Council and VECV’s Apex Consultative Committee for several years. Additionally, he is a long-time council member of FADA and holds the position of Area Commander for Home Guards in Coimbatore.
FADA also announced the appointment of other key executives for the 2024-26 period: Sai Giridhar, MD of Saisha Motors, as Vice President; Amar Jatin Sheth, MD of Group Shaman, as Secretary; and Pradeep Agarwal, Managing Partner of JMG Group, as Treasurer.
Outgoing President Manish Raj Singhania expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve during a time of significant transformation in the auto retail sector, citing progress made in dealer agreements and improved relationships with financial institutions.
Upon taking office, Vigneshwar outlined his vision for FADA’s future, emphasizing initiatives such as the Retail Protection Act and the Model Dealer Agreement. He stressed the importance of fostering inclusive growth and innovation in auto retail, with the association’s 15,000 dealerships and 30,000 outlets employing over 5 million people across the country. Vigneshwar aims to drive reforms that will safeguard the future of dealerships and ensure their sustainable growth.
“Over the next two years, our focus will be on strengthening the foundation we have built, with key initiatives such as the Retail Protection Act and the Model Dealer Agreement taking centre stage. Our mission at FADA is clear. To elevate the role of Auto Dealerships, drive inclusive growth and forge stronger partnerships across the industry,” he said.
