1981 - B.Tech - Aerospace Engineering Vice Chairman @ Hinduja Automotive Ltd, Chennai
Dr. V. Sumantran, Vice Chairman, Hinduja Automotive Ltd., Chennai (1981/BT/AE).
Dr. Sumantran obtained his B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras in 1981, his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University, and his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech. He also has a Master’s Degree in Management of Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic. He is Executive Vice-Chairman of Hinduja Automotive, UK. He leads the Group’s expansion strategy including sectors such as Light Commercial Vehicles, Construction Equipment, IT, Defence, Aerospace and Technologies.
Dr. Sumantran had a 16-year career with General Motors in the R&D Centre in Detroit, and subsequently served on deputation in Europe as Director, Advanced Engineering, SAAB Automobile AB. During this period, he also held the position of “Single Voice” for all R&D and Advanced Engineering undertaken by the GM-FIAT alliance in Europe. Back in India, he contributed immensely in developing innovative product ideas and platforms. The Indica range of vehicles, and more recently Nissan Dost, launched in September 2011, are results of such ideation. From 2001 until end of 2005, he was the chief executive of Tata Motors’ car business. During this period, he led the organization through the concept phase of the ‘Nano’ low-cost to ‘Aria’ high-end car projects. Dr. Sumantran has championed several product innovation programs with an unwavering focus on sustainability and clean transport. Under his guidance, the first commercial Electric Vehicle in India was developed and launched under the Ashok Leyland banner.
He is a member of the Board of Ashok Leyland Ltd. and Chairman, Ashok Leyland Nissan Ltd; Chairman, Ashok Leyland John Deere Ltd.; and Chairman, Ashok Leyland Defence Systems Ltd. Dr. Sumantran serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet of the Indian Government, and also served on the Science Advisory Council of the Prime Minister of India. He is a member of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Madras. He is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers International and the Indian National Academy of Engineers.
In recognition of Dr. Sumantran’s excellence as a technocrat, business leader, visionary and creator, IIT Madras and its alumni are proud to confer on him this award.
