India aims to be among top 2 auto makers, double auto production in 5 years

India is setting an ambitious aim of doubling automobile production over the next five years, and a further fourfold surge to around 200 million vehicles by 2047. This would catapult the country to among the top two global automobile producers, according to a new national automotive mission plan (AMP). The plan is currently in the works and is expected to be unveiled by this fiscal year-end.

The mission was discussed last week including with auto industry representatives. It is expected to prioritise localisation of sustainable vehicles across hydrogen, electric, compressed natural gas, and compressed biogas, but without imposition of any curbs on petrol or diesel vehicles "in the foreseeable future." However, the share of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is expected to reduce as newer and cleaner fuel options proliferate by 2047.

"The automotive mission 2047 is being prepared by industry consensus in line with Viksit Bharat goals," a senior official aware of the deliberations told ET, adding that AMP 2047 would strive for a technology-agnostic approach but focus on improving local supply chains and exports.


India produced about 25 million vehicles in 2023-24.

"We are aiming to produce around 50 million vehicles in 2030, and scale it up to 200 million units by 2047," the official said, noting that there are no plans to ban ICE vehicles but their share in domestic sales will reduce going forward.

The goal of doubling passenger vehicle (PV) exports by 2030 is also being finalised with steeper targets for 2047 on the anvil.

"Roughly 30% of domestic PV production will be exported in 2030," the official said. This is likely to increase to 40% by 2047.

A meeting of seven sub-committees tasked with preparing various aspects of AMP 2047 was held last week. An official statement said the deliberations were held in collaboration with ministries, industry bodies, sub-committee chairs, academic institutions, and testing agencies.

"The sub committees made their presentation. This is a zero draft. An apex level meeting is scheduled in November," said a senior industry executive who did not wish to be named. "These numbers have been discussed initially and may or may not change depending on the outcome of the consultations with economists, think-tanks including Niti Aayog going ahead. The final plan should be ready by the end of this fiscal."

Officials aware of the deliberations said forging partnerships with global firms were also discussed at the meeting. However, emphasis was laid on technology transfer to ensure the development of local supply chains.

AMP 2047 would seek to integrate the collective vision of stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), auto component manufacturers, policymakers, academia, and end users, to address challenges like technological advancements and charging infrastructure.