Gaurav Gupta, President of TVS Motor Company’s two-wheeler business in India, has been appointed Vice President of the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association. Representing SIAM, he will contribute an Indian industry perspective to global discussions on safe, sustainable, and economically viable two- and three-wheeler mobility.
Gaurav Gupta’s election as Vice President of the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association marks an important moment for both the Indian two-wheeler industry and the global mobility conversation. As President of TVS Motor Company’s two-wheeler business in India, Gupta brings to the role a perspective shaped by one of the world’s largest and most dynamic motorcycle markets. His appointment also signals the growing influence of Indian manufacturers in shaping global standards, policies, and narratives around motorcycling.
In his new capacity, Gupta will represent the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers at the global forum, placing India’s industry voice directly within the leadership of an organisation that speaks for motorcycle, scooter, and three-wheeler makers worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, IMMA serves as the collective platform through which manufacturers engage with policymakers, regulators, and international institutions on issues that affect the future of two- and three-wheeled mobility. With members drawn from India, Europe, Japan, the United States, and several Southeast Asian countries, the association reflects a wide spectrum of economic contexts and mobility needs.
Gupta’s elevation to the vice-presidential role comes at a time when the two-wheeler sector is undergoing a fundamental transition. Globally, governments are tightening emissions norms, pushing safety regulations, and encouraging alternative powertrains, while consumers are seeking affordable, efficient, and reliable modes of transport. In emerging markets such as India, two-wheelers remain a primary means of mobility for millions, while in developed markets they are increasingly viewed through the lenses of sustainability, leisure, and urban efficiency. Balancing these differing priorities is central to IMMA’s mission, and Gupta’s experience positions him well to navigate that complexity.
At TVS Motor Company, Gupta has overseen one of India’s most comprehensive two-wheeler portfolios, spanning motorcycles, scooters, and electric mobility offerings. His leadership has been rooted in understanding both domestic and global markets, as TVS continues to expand its international footprint across Asia, Africa, and Europe. That exposure gives him a practical understanding of how regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness, and consumer behaviour differ across regions, a perspective that is critical in a global association like IMMA.
By representing SIAM, Gupta also carries the responsibility of articulating the collective concerns and aspirations of India’s automobile industry. India is the world’s largest two-wheeler market by volume, and its manufacturers operate at a scale unmatched by most peers. Issues such as affordability, mass adoption of new technologies, and the pace of regulatory change are particularly acute in such a context. Gupta’s role offers an opportunity to ensure that global discussions on sustainability and safety take into account realities from high-volume, cost-sensitive markets as well as mature economies.
IMMA’s stated objective is to promote motorcycling that is safe, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. These priorities are increasingly interconnected. Safety standards must evolve alongside vehicle design and infrastructure, while environmental sustainability demands cleaner technologies and fuels without placing undue cost burdens on consumers. Economic viability remains central, especially in markets where two-wheelers are essential to livelihoods and daily commuting. Gupta’s background in managing a business that operates at scale in such an environment lends credibility to his contribution in shaping balanced, pragmatic approaches.
The global two-wheeler industry is also navigating rapid technological change. Electrification is no longer a distant prospect but an immediate reality, particularly in urban centres. At the same time, advancements in connected technologies, advanced rider assistance systems, and lightweight materials are reshaping how motorcycles and scooters are designed and used. Through IMMA, manufacturers collaborate and share perspectives on how these technologies can be introduced responsibly, aligned with regulations and consumer readiness. Gupta’s experience with both internal combustion and electric vehicles positions him to contribute meaningfully to these conversations.
Gupta’s appointment also reflects the growing international stature of Indian automobile executives. Historically, global industry bodies were often dominated by representatives from Europe, Japan, or North America. In recent years, however, the centre of gravity in two-wheeler manufacturing and consumption has shifted decisively towards Asia, with India playing a pivotal role. Having an Indian industry leader in IMMA’s senior leadership sends a strong signal about this shift and underscores the need for global policymaking to reflect diverse market realities.
For IMMA, leadership diversity is more than symbolic. The association engages with international bodies on issues ranging from emissions regulations and trade policies to road safety standards and urban mobility planning. Perspectives from markets like India, where two- and three-wheelers form the backbone of personal transportation, add depth to these discussions. Gupta’s voice is likely to emphasise solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and sensitive to socio-economic contexts.
Within India, Gupta’s new role is also expected to strengthen SIAM’s engagement at the global level. As India aligns its automotive policies more closely with international norms, having direct representation in IMMA’s leadership helps ensure smoother dialogue and better alignment between domestic and global frameworks. It also offers Indian manufacturers a platform to showcase innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and sustainability initiatives to a wider audience.
The timing of the appointment is noteworthy. As countries work towards climate commitments and urban congestion challenges intensify, two-wheelers are being re-evaluated as part of the solution rather than the problem. Lightweight, energy-efficient vehicles can play a critical role in reducing congestion and emissions if supported by the right policies and safety measures. IMMA’s advocacy in this area, reinforced by leadership figures like Gupta, could help reposition motorcycling in global mobility strategies.
For Gupta personally, the vice-presidential role represents both recognition and responsibility. It acknowledges his professional contributions while entrusting him with influencing the global discourse on the future of motorcycling. Balancing the priorities of diverse member associations will require diplomacy, technical understanding, and a long-term perspective. His experience navigating complex stakeholder environments within India’s fast-evolving market will likely serve him well.
As the global two-wheeler industry stands at a crossroads, Gupta’s appointment to IMMA’s leadership underscores the importance of inclusive representation and balanced policy advocacy. It highlights India’s central role in shaping the future of motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers worldwide, and positions an Indian industry leader at the heart of conversations about safety, sustainability, and economic viability. In a sector that touches the daily lives of millions, such leadership could help chart a more equitable and forward-looking path for global mobility.
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