Shailesh Chandra named OICA president; Müller elected vice-president

The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA) has elected Shailesh Chandra as president, marking the first time an Indian industry leader will head the global automakers’ body. Hildegard Müller has been chosen as vice-president. The appointment comes as the auto sector accelerates towards net-zero, digitalisation and supply-chain resilience.

Profile: India’s EV-focused industry voice

Shailesh Chandra is Managing Director & CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and of the company’s Electric Mobility arm, and serves as President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). His elevation underscores the growing weight of India’s passenger-vehicle and electric-mobility markets in global standard-setting and technology transitions.

Why the OICA role matters now

OICA represents national associations and leading manufacturers, coordinating industry positions on safety, emissions, trade and technology neutrality. With electrification, software-defined vehicles and advanced driver assistance reshaping product cycles, the presidency will steer consensus on regulatory alignment, lifecycle carbon accounting, and critical-material sustainability.

Agenda priorities: standards, safety and supply chains

Key focus areas include harmonising crash and emission norms, scaling charging and hydrogen refuelling interoperability, and advancing cybersecurity and over-the-air update governance. The presidency is also expected to press for diversified battery-material sourcing, robust end-of-life recycling, and pragmatic pathways that accommodate regional realities while advancing global decarbonisation goals.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Shailesh Chandra becomes the first OICA president from India.
• Hildegard Müller has been elected OICA vice-president.
• Chandra leads Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles and EV businesses and is SIAM President.
• OICA coordinates global auto positions on safety, emissions, trade and technology policy.

Implications for India and global auto policy

India’s representation at OICA’s helm can accelerate convergence between rapidly growing Asian markets and mature regulatory blocs on topics such as WLTP/CAFÉ alignment, UN vehicle regulations, battery sustainability standards, and software compliance. For manufacturers, this may translate into clearer roadmaps for zero-emission technologies, improved cross-border homologation, and stronger collaboration on charging, grid readiness and end-of-life stewardship—all essential to making future vehicles more aspirational, safer and environmentally responsible.