The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has appointed Rajan Wadhera, president and chief executive – Truck & Powertrain & Head – Mahindra Research valley, Mahindra & Mahindra, as the president of ARAI. Vikram Kirloskar vice-chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, is the new vice-president.
Rajan Wadhera takes charge as ARAI president from Vinod Dasari, managing director, Ashok Leyland, who was the erstwhile president from 2013-15. Mr Wadhera has been part of the ARAI governing council in the capacity of vice-president, ARAI, since the past two years and has significantly contributed in developing the strategic R&D roadmap for the autonomous body which is engaged in automotive R&D activities. In his new role, his focus would be to make contributions to ARAI’s R&D capabilities and take the brand to a global level.
Speaking on the appointments and sharing her vision for future growth and the expansion of ARAI, Mrs Rashmi Urdhwareshe, director, ARAI, said: “I am confident that ARAI will be immensely benefitted with the vision and guidance of industry leaders such as Rajan Wadhera and Vikram Kirloskar. With the changing times, ARAI is geared up to take new challenges with respect to road safety, stringent emission norms, fuel efficiency, transport engineering and other technologies relevant for safer, cleaner and quieter vehicles.”