Shailesh Chandra Becomes First Indian to Lead OICA

In a landmark moment for India’s automotive sector, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Electric Mobility, has been elected President of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA). This marks the first time an Indian executive will lead the global automakers’ body, reflecting India’s growing stature in shaping the future of mobility.

German automotive leader Hildegard Müller has been appointed Vice-President, ensuring strong representation from both emerging and mature markets in steering global automotive standards and strategies.

Who is Shailesh Chandra?

Shailesh Chandra currently heads Tata Motors’ passenger and electric vehicle segments and serves as President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Under his leadership, Tata Motors has emerged as a frontrunner in India’s electric vehicle (EV) space, pioneering affordable, mass-market electric mobility.

His appointment to OICA’s top position reflects recognition of India’s technological advancement, policy leadership in EV adoption, and growing market share in the global auto industry. It also positions him to influence global automotive policies at a time of major transformation across powertrains, software, and sustainability.

What is OICA and Why is This Important?

OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles) is the global association of automotive manufacturers, coordinating positions among national associations and companies on critical issues like,

• Vehicle safety standards
• Emission regulations
• Trade policy and market access
• Technological neutrality and innovation

Founded in 1919, OICA represents the collective voice of the global auto industry at forums like the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and plays a key role in setting international regulations that affect how cars are designed, tested, and sold.

Why Now?

Chandra’s presidency comes at a time when the auto industry is undergoing a massive transformation across several fronts,

• Electrification: Governments and companies are racing toward net-zero emissions, with a growing push for EV adoption.
• Digitalisation: Cars are becoming software-defined vehicles, requiring governance on over-the-air (OTA) updates, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Supply Chain Resilience: The post-pandemic era has highlighted the need for supply diversification and sustainable sourcing of critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
• Safety and Sustainability: The focus has shifted toward crash harmonisation, recyclability, and end-of-life regulations.

Chandra’s Agenda Priorities as OICA President

As OICA president, Shailesh Chandra is expected to lead industry alignment across the following,

• Harmonising safety and crash standards to support international vehicle homologation
• Scaling interoperability for EV charging and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure
• Promoting secure vehicle software updates and strong cybersecurity governance
• Encouraging sustainable battery sourcing, recycling, and life cycle carbon accounting
• Balancing regional diversity with global decarbonisation goals, especially in Asia and developing markets

Implications for India and the World

India’s elevation to OICA’s leadership has several strategic outcomes,

• It gives India a voice in global regulatory-making, especially for EVs, emissions, and digital tech.
• Enhances alignment between India’s rapidly growing vehicle market and global standards like WLTP, CAFÉ norms, and UN regulations.
• Supports Indian automakers in entering global markets with clearer certification roadmaps and policy harmonisation.
• Fosters cross-border collaboration in areas like charging infrastructure, grid integration, and vehicle recycling.
• For global automakers, this leadership may help ensure that the world’s fastest-growing auto markets are part of rule-making, not just rule-following.

Static GK Facts

• Shailesh Chandra is the first Indian elected as OICA President (2025).
• OICA stands for Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, headquartered in Paris, France.
• Founded in 1919, OICA represents global auto manufacturers on issues like safety, trade, and emissions.
• Hildegard Müller is the Vice-President of OICA and President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).