SIAM Automotive HR Conclave 2025 Addresses Workforce Transformation for Future Mobility

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the Automotive HR & Skilling Conclave 2025 in Chennai, where government officials, chief human resource officers of leading automotive companies, HR professionals, and academia discussed the evolving landscape of human resources and skill development in the mobility sector under the theme "Accelerating Ahead: HR and Skilling for the Future of Mobility".

Tamil Nadu Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development CV Ganesan attended as chief guest and emphasised the responsibilities of HR leaders in the automotive sector. 

"HR leaders of auto companies have greater responsibilities, as they need to take care of thousands of skilled professionals working for their organisations," Ganesan said in a statement.

K Veera Raghava Rao, Secretary of Labour Welfare & Skill Development for Tamil Nadu, said, "There is a need to ensure that we have appropriately skilled people to support the ever-evolving technological landscape and to ensure that the investments made by companies are sustained."

The conclave featured sessions on aligning talent with business goals, evolving industrial relations practices and building inclusive workforce cultures. Industry leaders discussed strategies for developing a workforce capable of supporting the mobility sector's technological transformation.

Natwar Kadel, Chairman of SIAM Human Capital Group and Vertical Head-People Strategy at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, "Auto is one of the largest contributors to GDP and also to employment in the country. HR leaders of Auto Industry have a responsibility to ensure we continue to unlearn, relearn and innovate ourselves in a sustained manner."

Prabhu Nagaraj, Co-Chairman of SIAM Skilling Group and Operating Head - Corporate Affairs at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd., said, "Investing in skills today is the key to building a strong industry tomorrow. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in our people, because the future of mobility will be built not just in factories, but in classrooms, workshops, and training centres across India."

Madhuri Mehta, Co-Chair of SIAM Human Capital Group and CHRO at Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said, "Auto Industry needs to evolve itself to meet the expectations of the Gen-Z as they integrate into this Industry."

HR leaders from major automotive companies including Ashok Leyland, Hyundai Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Royal Enfield, Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, Apollo Tyres, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Rane Group, Renault Nissan Automotive India, JSW MG Motor India, JK Fenner India, Maruti Suzuki India, TI Clean Mobility, and TVS Motor Company participated in the conclave and shared insights on workforce development strategies.

SIAM is the apex national body representing vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

The Chennai conclave underscored the automotive sector's recognition that human capital development has become as critical as technological advancement for maintaining competitiveness in an industry undergoing simultaneous electrification, digitalisation, and automation transitions.

The emphasis on "unlearn, relearn and innovate" reflects acknowledgment that legacy manufacturing skills alone cannot support emerging mobility technologies, requiring systematic workforce capability upgrades across existing employees whilst simultaneously attracting digitally native Gen-Z talent with different career expectations.

Tamil Nadu's participation as host state carries particular significance given its position as India's second-largest automotive manufacturing hub, with substantial investments from domestic and international manufacturers creating persistent demand for appropriately skilled technical and managerial talent.