Sai Giridhar Appointed as New President of FADA for 2026-28 Term

Leadership Change in the Automobile Retail Sector

Jaipur: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has appointed seasoned automobile businessman Sai Giridhar as its new national president, marking a significant leadership transition in the automobile retail sector. He will serve as the 38th president of FADA for the term spanning 2026-28. This decision was made during the 323rd Governing Council meeting held after FADA's 62nd annual general meeting on September 1, 2026, in New Delhi.

Focus on Dealership Viability and Profitability

Giridhar takes over from the outgoing president CS Vigneshwar. In his new role, he aims to enhance the viability and profitability of automobile dealerships across the country, strengthen relationships between dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and ensure that the voices of dealers of various sizes and regions are effectively represented on FADA's platform.

Over Three Decades of Experience in the Automobile Industry

As the Managing Director of Saisha Motors Pvt. Ltd. based in Jaipur, Sai Giridhar brings over 30 years of experience in the automobile retail business. His journey in the auto industry began in 1995 with a dealership for Daewoo Motors in Jaipur, after which he expanded his business with General Motors and other automobile brands.

Currently, his dealership group represents brands such as Skoda, Volvo Cars, JSW MG Motor, and MG Select. Over the years, he has expanded the automobile retail network across several cities in Rajasthan, gaining extensive experience in dealership operations.

Extensive Involvement with FADA

Giridhar's engagement extends beyond business; he has been associated with FADA for over a decade and has served as the State Chairperson for Rajasthan for nearly four years. Additionally, he has held the position of Secretary in the Authorised Motor Association of Rajasthan for a significant period.

This experience will aid him in understanding the challenges and needs of the dealer community at a national level, as FADA represents thousands of dealerships and outlets involved in automobile retail across the country.

Prioritizing Dealership Profitability

Upon assuming the presidency, Giridhar indicated that making dealership operations more sustainable and profitable will be a top priority over the next two years. This will involve improving coordination between OEMs and dealers, adapting business models, and embracing technology.

Dealers in the automobile sector face numerous challenges, including inventory management, financing costs, staffing, service operations, and shifting customer demands. Strengthening the economic health of dealerships is considered a crucial agenda for FADA.

Advocating for All Dealers

Giridhar emphasized the necessity for representation of dealers from various regions on FADA's platform. His focus will not be limited to large cities or major dealer groups but will also address the issues faced by dealers of different sizes and geographical locations.

The automobile retail business is no longer confined to metropolitan areas; the vehicle market is rapidly expanding in smaller towns and rural areas. According to FADA, rural markets have played a significant role in the recent growth of automobile retail.

Optimism for the Automobile Market in 2026

Giridhar's responsibilities come at a time when the demand in the Indian automobile retail market appears robust. According to FADA's data, total automobile retail sales in July 2026 reached 2.591 million units, marking an increase of approximately 26% compared to the same month last year. All major categories, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and tractors, recorded significant sales in July.

FADA President Sai Giridhar stated at the beginning of September 2026 that passenger vehicle retail sales in India could surpass 5 million units in the calendar year 2026, attributing this growth to rising demand in smaller towns and rural areas, improved affordability, and the expansion of the dealership network.

Adapting to New Technologies and Market Changes

The automobile sector is undergoing rapid changes. Electric vehicles, digital retail, new financing models, and evolving customer preferences are reshaping the dealership landscape. The new FADA president will face the challenge of adapting traditional dealership models to meet future needs.

Giridhar has also stressed the importance of establishing automobile retail as a long-term career option for youth and preparing the dealer network for the structural changes coming to the industry.

Significant Changes in the New Leadership Team

Alongside Sai Giridhar, the new leadership team for FADA 2026-28 includes Amar Jatin Sheth as Vice President, Pradeep Agarwal as Secretary, and Bharat Kumar Chordia as Treasurer. This new team provides a clear leadership structure for the organization to work with over the next two years.

Overall, Giridhar's appointment is seen as a significant change for the Indian automobile dealer community. His extensive business experience, which began in Jaipur, is expected to benefit the interests of dealers and shape the direction of the automobile retail sector at the national level. Over the next two years, key issues will likely include dealership profitability, OEM-dealer relationships, technological advancements, and better representation for markets of all sizes.