SIAM’s SAFE and Indian OEMs show the green way on World Environment Day

The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) celebrated the World Environment Day on June 5 across 5,500 automobile dealers in the country.

SAFE organised a number of activities related to environment safety and conservation along with a pledge to spread awareness around environment protection, sustainability and eco-conscious growth. The nationwide initiative is also being continued today and will be extended for a week in select dealerships for better reach and service.

Some specific activities undertaken included free day-long PUC (pollution under control) check-ups and the issuing of free PUC certificates at various dealers across India. Over 100,000 vehicles were provided free PUCs and 100,000 vehicle owners were given free PUC certificates. Several unique initiatives – such as a drawing competition for kids, environment conservation tips for customers, sapling distribution, tree plantation, green processions and awareness rallies were also conducted at dealership outlets.

Speaking on the programme, Vishnu Mathur, director general – SIAM, said: “SIAM is fully committed towards environmental sustainability and the World Environment Day was an ideal platform for the Indian auto industry to drive awareness about key environmental issues. SAFE is founded on the firm belief that community education and public consciousness about environmental issues are pivotal to curb air pollution. Air pollution is a major and immediate threat and it is imperative that corrective and preventive measures are taken. This initiative is aimed at educating car owners as well as the society at large about creating a cleaner, greener environment. We urge all vehicle owners across India to work towards the cause of safeguarding the environment and help us realise the goal of ensuring sustainable, environment-friendly growth in the coming years.”

INDIAN OEMs DID THEIR BIT

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, for the 16^th consecutive year, began its week-long celebrations on World Environment Day across the country at its dealership network and manufacturing plants at Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narsapura (Karnataka), Vithalapur (Gujarat).

Encapsulating the initiatives taken by Honda, Keita Muramatsu, president and CEO, HMSI, said: “Preserving the environment is top of the mind for us at Honda. Honda announced its global vision of 30% CO2 reduction by 2020 and in India too, we are actively contributing to build a greener tomorrow. The same reflects in our processes, technology and plant architecture.”

HMSI conducted several engagement activities through tree plantation and sapling distribution at schools, dealerships and plants, free PUC check-up and jute bag distribution, awareness messages were spread through a sticker on invoices and employee uniforms across dealerships. There were also employee engagement programmes including in-house training, environmental awareness training, awareness banners and mailers.

Yamaha Motor India Group companies celebrated World Environment Day at all its offices and plants across India. The senior management along with all the employees took a pledge to protect the environment and adopt environment-friendly processes. Tree plantation activity, display of banners and distribution of leaflets were also carried out at all the three India Yamaha plants located at Surajpur, Faridabad and Chennai to drive awareness among the employees. Over 5,000 ‘Tulsi’ saplings were also distributed to the employees. Further, free pollution check-up camps were conducted at 32 dealerships across various cities including Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Kolkata.

GM India, which is celebrating World Environment Day from May 31-June 15, has organised PUC drives across its dealerships in India. There are also other initiatives like environment conservation tips to customers, distribution of saplings and awareness rallies.

The objective of this drive is to create awareness among motorists to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and maintain their vehicles properly.

The company has rolled out a series of activities, encouraging employees to join the Green Initiative including a cleanliness drive at Ghoravdeshwar mountain, NH4 highway, Pune and a tree plantation at GM India premises.