Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by India’s automotive industry body SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), celebrated World Environment Day with a host of environmentally responsible activities across 7400 automobile dealers across the country.
This year’s theme of World Environment Day is “Air Pollution”, which has posed one of the biggest threats to the environment. SIAM understands and acknowledges the eminent dangers of air pollution and as a responsible organisation, it has been conducting multiple mass awareness campaigns among commuters to drive sustainable development. Presently, India is set for leapfrogging by skipping BS V emission norms to comply with BS VI emission norms in the year 2020. This is the shortest migration time taken by any country in the history of the roll out of emission norms across the globe.
Some of the special activities that were conducted during the Day included free day-long PUC (pollution under control) check-up for over one million vehicles followed by issuing of free PUC certificates at the authorised centres. Free saplings were distributed at identified long traffic lights across key cities. Several unique initiatives – such as an environment related awareness competition for kids, environment conservation tips for customers, sapling distribution, tree plantation, green processions, awareness rallies, etc. – were conducted at the dealership outlets.
In few cities where water scarcity has become a major concern, automobile dealers shifted from water washing of the vehicles to dry washing. This initiative not only helped in water conservation but in the longer run, it will help in sensitizing the customers on conserving our water resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vishnu Mathur, Director General – SIAM, said “The Indian automobile industry is fully aware of the environmental hazards the world is staring at. At SIAM, we are committed towards our environment and will take every measure possible to build a healthy and sustainable world. During the World Environment Day on 5 June 2019, SIAM with the support of SIAM-SAFE members is planning to take several steps to spread the awareness towards preserving our environment. 7400 of our member’s dealers and their service station are participating in drive by checking the pollution level in vehicles and providing customers with free PUC and sharing knowledge on proper maintenance of their vehicles. With this campaign, we aim to educate vehicle owners and make them the agents of change. This would ensure a cleaner, greener, and safer environment. The participation of the community in this initiative is pivotal, and with their support, we are sure to realise our goal”, he added
The automobile sector has been distinctively proactive and forward looking in complying all the statutory stipulations particularly, relating to environment and safety. The automotive sector has the distinction of being fully compliant to the extant environmental regulations. The automotive sector is regularly and systematically assessing, evaluating and taking all necessary measures to minimize the impact of automobiles during every stage of life cycle on environment, human health and climate change. It is expected that in 2020 and beyond, there will be a huge positive impact on the air quality and environment as a whole. All SIAM members are coming together to organise various drives during the World Environment day to spread the message of environment protection.
As a part of the initiative, various engagement activities were also conducted which involved several competitions for children which will help them in becoming responsible young adults. Apart from this, tips and suggestions were given to customers alongside sapling distribution and tree plantation drives. To complete the circle of green processions, awareness rallies, were conducted across automobile dealership outlets.
Several manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd, General Motors India Pvt Ltd, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India Yamaha Motor Pvt Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, Renault India Pvt Ltd, Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd, Audi India, Volkswagen, Porsche, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd, TVS Motor Company Ltd will participate for the common cause through their dealerships.
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