[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]In a year where India’s automotive industry finds itself at the edge of rapid transformation, the 3rd edition of the BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Summit & Awards 2025 showcased the vision, innovation, and talent driving this change. Organised by BW Businessworld, it is a platform for ideas, inspiration, and a look into the future of how India’s automotive sector will move. The summit brought together established industry leaders, policymakers, and emerging trailblazers to discuss the future of mobility while celebrating the outstanding achievements of professionals under the age of 40 in the sector.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]India at a Crossroads of Transformation
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The summit opened with a compelling keynote by Ganesh Mani, President & COO of Ashok Leyland and CEO of Switch Mobility, who underlined that India is at a historic turning point in its mobility journey. From the rise of electric vehicles and sustainable practices to digital innovation and collaboration, Mani highlighted how the future of mobility is not a distant goal but a present reality in motion.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]He spoke of the need to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, outlining how companies like Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility are developing electric buses and last-mile delivery solutions. He also underlined India’s opportunity to become a global leader in clean and smart mobility, given its strong talent pool and entrepreneurial drive. Most importantly, Mani reminded everyone that it is the young leaders of today ‘the awardees in the room’ who will carry this transformation forward.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)](Read more: [color=hsl(240, 75%, 60%)]India Stands At A Historic Crossroads In Automotive Transformation, Says Ganesh Mani[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)])
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The Summit Conversation: Reimagining Mobility 2030
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]A highlight of the summit was a panel discussion on ‘Reimagining Mobility 2030: Driving India’s Auto Transformation with Technology, Sustainability & New Consumer Realities.’ Moderated by Utkarsh Agarwal, Editorial Lead of BW Auto World, the discussion featured industry leaders like Amit Saharia, Group President – Strategy, Hinduja Group; Nimish Trivedi, CEO & Co-founder of Evera Cabs; Poonam Upadhyay. Director of Crisil Ratings, Som Kapoor, Partner & Future of Mobility Leader at EY-Parthenon India; and, Dr. Natwar Kadel, Vertical Head – People Strategy at Hyundai Motor India.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The conversation touched on how ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared) vehicles are set to redefine the next decade. Panelists said¬ that mobility in the next five years will evolve faster than in the last fifty. From the rise of electric vehicles and hybrid solutions to the shift from ownership to usership, the panel made it clear that software, AI, and sustainability will shape the cars and mobility of tomorrow.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]Challenges like charging infrastructure, evolving policies, and e-waste management were openly discussed, with a consensus that collaboration between government, industry, and startups will be key. As one panelist put it, the future won’t be about ‘engines versus batteries,’ but about creating a balanced ecosystem where multiple technologies work together.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The panel concluded that technology alone cannot define the future. It will require alignment of policy, people, and purpose to make mobility sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)](Read more: [color=hsl(240, 75%, 60%)]Reimagining Mobility 2030: Driving India’s Auto Transformation With Technology, Sustainability & New Consumer Realities[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)])
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Awards 2025
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The most awaited moment of the evening was the recognition of the winners of the BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Awards 2025. Now in its 3rd year, the awards not only celebrated the achievements of today's young pioneers but also served as a testament to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of automotive technology and innovation.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]This year, while the platform traditionally honours 40 achievers, the jury chose to recognise 33 outstanding professionals and entrepreneurs whose contributions stood out for innovation, impact, and leadership. As we believe, awards should stand for excellence, not just numbers. The winners represented a diverse mix of OEMs, EV startups, component manufacturers, technology firms, and sustainability ventures, whose contributions stood out for innovation, impact, and leadership.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The Jury Behind The Selections
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]The winners were chosen after a rigorous evaluation process led by a distinguished jury chaired by Ganesh Mani, President & COO, Ashok Leyland & CEO, Switch Mobility. The jury panel included industry veterans like Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media; Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India; Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India; Vinkesh Gulati, Executive Body Member, Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) & Chairperson, Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) ; Sanjeev Handa, Senior Vice President - PR & Communications, Maruti Suzuki India; Rashmi Urdhwareshe, Former Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) & Former President, Society of Automotive Engineers India (SAE India); and, Noor Warsia, Group Editorial Director, BW Businessworld.
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]This year, BW Team outreached to over more than 250 individuals in Auto & Connected industries and received more than 80 applications, out of which 45 nominations were presented to jury to Select the Top 40 people. Each jury member employed an independent scoring system. Each nominee was assessed on innovation, leadership, sectoral impact, and contribution to the larger ecosystem. The jury emphasised quality over numbers, ensuring only the most deserving names are featured in the final list.
[color=hsl(0,0%,0%)](Read More: [color=hsl(240, 75%, 60%)]Meet The Winners Of The 3rd Edition Of BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Awards 2025[color=hsl(0,0%,0%)])
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]About BW Auto World
[color=hsl(0, 0%, 0%)]BW Auto World with a tag line 'Converging Facts & Machines', is a leading automotive community of BW Businessworld group, which covers latest news, reviews, exclusive interactions with industry leaders & industry updates from the world of automobiles. |
