Chennai: In a development that would impact the Indian automobile industry, the US-based Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) opened its Indian chapter in Chennai.

SAE India will be an autonomous body affiliated to SAE International. As per plans, the existing organisation, Institution of Automobile Engineers (IAE), will be merged with SAE India.

Says K Kumar, SAE India’s first president: “SAE India is slated to play a crucial role in the advancement of overall standards of the Indian automobile industry, towards the production of technically superior, more affordable and environment friendly vehicles.”

The arrival of several global automobile majors in India has resulted in a dramatic change in the domestic automobile industry. With a view to become a much-needed forum for automobile engineers in India to share their experiences, learn from each other and get exposure to latest industry trends worldwide, SAE’s Indian chapter has been established, he adds.

Like its parent body, SAE India will provide support to the Indian automobile industry in areas of idea exchange, exposure to the latest technology, financial assistance, research support and creation of high-calibre manpower.

Says SAE International president S M Shahed: “We have been following the Indian auto industry for the last few years and are impressed with the growth it has registered. We feel it is the best time to launch an Indian chapter of SAE as there is a heightened activity in the sector.”