The seventh edition of MOTOTECH 2026 Pune, a specialised conference and exhibition organised by OEM Update, was inaugurated today by Dr Vijay Suryawanshi, IAS, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, PCMC, and Chairman of the Auto Cluster Development and Research Institute, in the presence of Jitendra Patil, Maharashtra State Head, EV Cell, and other eminent industry leaders.
Taking place on October 30–31, 2026, at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Chinchwad, Pune, the two-day event brings together automotive manufacturers, technology providers, component suppliers, MSMEs and industry professionals under the theme “Factory of the Future for Next-Gen Mobility.”
Following the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, Dr Suryawanshi declared the event open and highlighted Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub. He welcomed MOTOTECH’s role in enabling technology exchange and bringing industry stakeholders together to support industrial development.
Jitendra Patil, Maharashtra State Head, EV CellMSME infrastructure and EV skills in focus
Dr Suryawanshi urged manufacturers, startups and MSMEs to make greater use of the Auto Cluster’s product design and prototyping facilities, particularly enterprises that lack access to such capabilities within their own operations.
He invited industry leaders to identify requirements for additional machinery and infrastructure, including facilities relevant to electric vehicle manufacturing, so that future upgrades could respond to industry needs.
Highlighting an electric truck displayed at the exhibition, he pointed to the potential of electrification to transform commercial transport. He also spoke about an initiative involving SKF, Tata STRIVE and PCMC to train young people in electric vehicle repairs, stressing the need to extend skills development beyond two-wheelers and passenger vehicles to electric buses and trucks.
Dr Suryawanshi reaffirmed PCMC’s willingness to work with industry on infrastructure requirements and local challenges. He also encouraged companies to explore collaboration through the corporation’s CSR portal.
Calling for broader participation in industrial growth, he advocated greater representation of women in technical training and entrepreneurship, alongside employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He highlighted the role of industry partnerships in supporting training and assistive technology facilities at Divyang Bhavan.
Connecting stakeholders for the electric mobility transition
Addressing the inaugural gathering, Jitendra Patil, Maharashtra State Head, EV Cell, said Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s automotive manufacturing experience, skilled workforce and vehicle-testing capabilities provide a strong foundation for the transition to electric mobility.
He welcomed MOTOTECH as a platform for EV manufacturers and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, share ideas and build connections as the automotive ecosystem undergoes significant change.
Patil emphasised the EV Cell’s role in facilitating dialogue, understanding industry challenges and supporting coordination among stakeholder departments. He encouraged the industry to draw on the experience of automotive veterans while preparing for emerging technologies and manufacturing requirements.
He also stressed the importance of integrating women’s perspectives into the development of the mobility ecosystem, including vehicle design and wider industry participation.
Dr Vijay Suryawanshi, IAS, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, PCMCTechnology discussions for next-generation manufacturing
Across the two days, MOTOTECH 2026 Pune combines technology exhibits with conference discussions on electrification, automation, cybersecurity and circular manufacturing.
The conference agenda examines logistics and supply chain resilience for automotive just-in-time production; green and circular manufacturing, from energy to extended producer responsibility; re-tooling India’s manufacturing value chain for electric vehicles and advanced automotive technologies; flexible automation for high-mix production; and the role of manufacturing execution systems, the digital thread and industrial AI in connected factories.
The exhibition provides a platform for manufacturers and technology providers to showcase solutions, engage with prospective customers and explore partnerships.
Building on its previous editions, MOTOTECH’s seventh edition brings an expanded conference and exhibition format to Pune, supporting dialogue between industry, government and technology providers on the capabilities needed for India’s next phase of automotive manufacturing.
MOTOTECH 2026 Pune continues on October 31 at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Chinchwad, Pune.
