India, Germany set up joint working group on automotive sector

India and Germany today signed a joint declaration of intent on the the terms of reference of a joint working group (JWG) on automotive sector.

The declaration was signed by Surajit Mitra, additional secretary in the ministry of heavy industry and head of the Indian delegation and Wolfgang Hahn, director-general, strategic planning and chairman of the German delegation, in the presence of Sontosh Mohan Dev, minister of heavy industry and public enterprises and Tiefensee, minister of transport, building and urban affairs, Federal Republic of Germany.

The joint working group also decided to form three working sub-groups - Technology Group, Institutional Cooperation Group and Training and Skill Development Group.

''The joint declaration of intent that has been signed today reinforces our mutual commitment to further deepen the ties between our countries,'' Sontosh Mohan Dev told the inaugural meeting of the Indo-German joint working group.

He said the economic downturn that has affected the German auto industry and exposed our own sector, has made this initiative between our countries more relevant and essential today.

''In addition to meeting the concerns of sustainable automobility, the challenge before this Indo-German joint working group will also include initiating steps for quality improvement, enhanced productivity through possible joint ventures and technology sharing,'' the minister said.