Electric vehicles are not the only solution to reduce pollution, and the auto industry should remain technology-agnostic in its efforts to cut emissions while giving consumers greater choice, according to TVS Motor Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan. Speaking on Monday at the IFQM Symposium 2026, Srinivasan emphasized that 'I always believe we have to be agnostic (in technology) and look at the net effect on the country in terms of pollution, quality and environment. So, EV is not the only solution.' He stressed that electric vehicles should be allowed to grow organically, with consumer choice playing an important role in the adoption process.
On ethanol blending in petrol, Srinivasan highlighted that the policy could help India reduce its dependence on fuel imports, while the impact on vehicle performance has been limited. 'The degradation in performance is very marginal. I think that should not deter us. After all, the whole of Brazil runs on ethanol,' he stated. Srinivasan noted that consumers should not necessarily need a choice of fuel blends up to E10, but there could be a case for offering a choice at higher blending levels due to concerns over the impact of higher ethanol content on vehicle materials. 'There might be a mild fuel drop, but I think that is being played up too much. The country should look at the imports. And it is ecologically more friendly,' he added.
Srinivasan emphasized the need for Indian companies to raise quality and productivity standards as they seek to expand their presence in global markets. 'We have to make India synonymous with the word quality,' he said, noting that Indian manufacturers would need to meet and exceed international benchmarks in quality and productivity if the country is to secure a larger share of global manufacturing. This quality focus becomes crucial as Indian companies aim to compete effectively in international markets while maintaining their domestic manufacturing capabilities.
