At the General Assembly that was held remotely on 7 September 2022, Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, was reelected President of IMMA. Mr. Sharma previously served as IMMA Vice President in 2019 and IMMA President from 2020 to June 2022.
The appointment followed the recent resignation of Mr. Edward Moreland, elected President in June this year, after accepting a position that will see him continue his career outside the automotive industry.
“When IMMA asked me to serve again as IMMA’s President for one additional year I could only accept, considering that IMMA has been doing an excellent and important work in promoting safe, exciting, and sustainable motorcycling at the international level. I am fully invested in furthering this cause”, said Mr. Sharma.
Mr. Rakesh Sharma joined Bajaj Auto in October 2007 as President (International Business) and is currently serving as Executive Director on the Board of Bajaj Auto Ltd with responsibility of all the Business Units. He is a member of the Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Exports Council of SIAM, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, an IMMA member.
Former IMMA President Mr. Moreland held the position of Vice President of Government Affairs at Harley Davidson Inc., and served on the Steering Committee for over 10 years. In his farewell letter to the membership, Mr. Moreland said:
“It has been my sincere pleasure to serve on the IMMA Steering Committee for the past decade. I firmly believe in the mission, people, and leadership of IMMA, and know the association will continue to be in capable hands. I take this opportunity to thank all the members of IMMA for their steadfast commitment to the preservation and advancement of powered two wheelers all over the globe.”
IMMA’s Secretary General, Edwin Bastiaensen, emphasized IMMA’s appreciation on the collaboration with and contributions by Mr. Moreland, which span over a 20-year successful career in the motorcycle sector, and wished him success in his new endeavors.
About SIAM:
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is an apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM works towards supporting the sustainable development of the Indian automobile industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobiles. It also works towards facilitating the enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian automobile industry, reducing the cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.
About BAJAJ Auto Limited:
A flagship company of the Bajaj Group was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956, and having its registered office at Mumbai – Pune Road, Akurdi, Pune – 411 035. The Bajaj Group is amongst the top 10 business houses in India. Founded in 1926, at the height of India’s movement for independence, the Group has an illustrious history. The integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed which are characteristics of the Group today, are often traced back to its birth during those days of relentless devotion to a common cause. The late Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, founder of the Group, was a close confidant and disciple of the Mahatma Gandhi. The company is the world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer, India’s second largest manufacturer of motorcycles and world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheelers.
With 15 million vehicles exported in over 79 countries, it is also India’s No.1 motorcycle exporter with 2 out of 3 bikes sold internationally carrying a Bajaj badge. The company’s unwavering commitment towards building the best two-wheelers in the world through design, technology, quality, and customer satisfaction has made it the most visible Indian brand across the globe. The company’s global sales have earned over US$ 13 billion of foreign exchange in the last decade.
About IMMA:
IMMA, as the voice of the global Motorcycle Industry, has a membership of Powered Two- and Three-Wheeler (PTW) manufacturers’ associations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. IMMA promotes solutions for safe, sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable motorcycling. IMMA advances inclusive policies and engages in the development and progressive harmonization of vehicle requirements in global forums. IMMA is based in Geneva, Switzerland.