West Bengal's automobile market grew at a CAGR of nearly 11% during 2011- 2015 and is projected to further grow at a CAGR of 14.8% during 2016- 2021, owing to rising investments and growth in demand from exports.

The automotive industry here in West Bengal is dominated by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The industry for auto components comprises of units manufacturing a wide range of products ranging from simple nuts and bolts to complex items such as shafts, radiators and axles. Easy access to raw materials such as iron and steel in the area serves as an added advantage to the growth of the automotive and auto components industry in the state.

The State Government is exploring investment opportunities in the automobile sector in the manufacturing of cars, trucks, etc. and in auto parts, auto ancillaries, transmission, shock absorbers, steering, engine and engine parts.

Why West Bengal?

• Strong base in the traditional industries and its excellence in the manufacturing sector together with the presence of several steel plants makes the State an ideal location for an Auto Hub.
• Enormous locational advantages including proximity to raw materials base such as iron and steel. Easy accessibility to serve both Indian domestic market, the SAARC countries as well as the ASEAN markets through ports.
• Huge domestic market with immense scope that lies in the domestic and Asian markets for the automobile sector as the region is witnessing a rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization and increasing need for mobility.
• Large pool of skilled labour in the state.
• Availability of plug and play infrastructure and policy support.
• Flourishing allied industry parks like, Plasto-Steel Park in Bankura district, Rubber Park in Howrah district, various engineering & multi-products parks, etc.

To speed up the industrial development in West Bengal, the State Government is committed to attract large investment in sectors which would give a boost to the overall manufacturing sector. The presence and growth of automobile manufacturing in a state represents an opportunity for overall growth of the economy. The automotive sector, comprising of the automobile and auto component sub sectors, with its extensive forward and backward linkages plays a significant role in the development of state's industrial sector.

Key policy-level intervention

• Allowing 100% FDI in the sector.
• Removal of minimum capital clauses for fresh entrants.
• Conducting incessant modernization of the industry & facilitate indigenous design
• Research & development.
• Leveraging state's software technology into automotive technology, wherever relevant.

West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) fuelling sector growth

• Spearheading the promotion and making of West Bengal as an industrial-friendly destination.
• Financing medium & large-scale industries through different loan schemes.
• Catalysing business, trade and industrial links with domestic as well as foreign institutions.
• Development of modern industry-specific parks with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Disbursing incentives provided by state and the dissemination of information related to trade prospects.