Auto industry bodies ACMA and SIAM have expressed grief over the death of Sona Group Founder and Chairman Surinder Kapur, who died recently after a brief illness.
Kapur (71), who has been the past president of Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM), died earlier this week in Munich (Germany).
Expressing grief over the demise, SIAM President Vikram Kirloskar said Kapur's passing away is a big loss to the entire automotive fraternity.
"Kapur was one of the doyens of the auto component industry who played a pioneering role in creating a modern automotive supply chain in the country," Kirloskar said.
He epitomised the spirit of entrepreneurship and professionalism and was looked upon as a role model for the manufacturing sector and for the entire component supplier industry, he added.
ACMA President, Ramesh Suri said, Kapur was a great statesman known for his unstinted support and contribution to the Indian auto component industry and the industry at large.
"A true believer of globalisation, he not only led the Indian auto component industry to export, but was also a pioneer in international acquisition," Suri said.
Kapur will also be remembered for his contribution to several national and international forums, which he served with great passion and dedication, he added.
Kapur had served as the Chairman of the Industrial Relations Council of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Besides, he was a member of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) and National Council for Electric Mobility.
He was also a member of Automotive Mission Plan (2006-2016) set up by the Ministry of Heavy Industry.
The Gurgaon-headquartered Sona Group is a USD 800 million entity with over 16 plants across India, three in Germany and one in the US.
