CHENNAI: Srivardhan Srinivasan, a city-based vintage car collector, must have been a proud man on Monday. His 1938 model Mercedes Benz gleamed at the entrance of the Goethe-Institut in Rutland Gate, Nungambakkam, marking the inauguration of the 125 Auto Motifs photo exhibition. Representing 125 years of the automotive industry, the exhibition comprises 125 different photographs by 16 world renowned photographers. Out of the 125 photographs that were displayed in Germany for 125 days, 25-handpicked photographs have been travelling the world, now, making a stop at Chennai. Dr V Sumantran, vice chairman, Ashok Leyland, and executive vice chairman, Hinduja Automotive, in his presentation, spoke about a torpedo-shaped car, which was the first in the world to break the 100 km/hr speed barrier. According to him, after World War I, the automotive industry quickly matured and the society realised what life could be with them. “During the late 20s and early 30s, during the period of The Great Gatsby, extravagant cars were indulged in,” he said, after which the world plunged into war again, losing any sense of luxury. “That was when the iconic jeep evolved,” he informed. The 70s was the time when the ‘Mustangs were emasculated’, according to Sumantran. To cope with the energy crises and increasing cost of fuel, manufacturers downsized on the size and power of the engines. “I’m beginning to see a huge trend towards personalization, be it the environment within the car or the infotainment system,” he concluded. S Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India Ltd, the second panelist, pointed out that the automotive industry is what contributed the most to the growth of any developed or developing country. “It is expected to be 3.6 per cent of the Indian GDP by 2020,” he informed (taking into account only the component industry). One of the biggest challenges that the industry faces is power, he explained. “Energy is scarce and the quality of energy supplied is not good. Which takes us back to the issues of cost and availability of resources,” he said. The photos on exhibit showcase different scenarios associated with anything automobile, including accidents, unusual events and incidents, cars and their owners, images from grand prixs and ad campaigns and car aesthetics. The exhibition, sponsored by LMT India Pvt. Ltd, in cooperation with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, will be on display at the Goethe-Institut till March 3.
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