Dr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Force Motors, honored with the “Order of Merit” of the FederalRepublic of Germany

Dr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Force Motors Ltd., was conferred with the “Order of Merit” of the Federal Republic of Germany by Dr. Leopold Theodor Heldman, Consul General, Mumbai, at an award ceremony organized on February 16, 2012 at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Pune. The “Order of Merit” is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their exemplary services to the Federal Republic of Germany. Individuals who have made significant contributions in social, intellectual, economic or political realms are honoured with this award. Previous recipients of this award include Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Mr. Subrato Haldar, Mr. B.G. Roy, Sister Mary Prema; Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity of Calcutta, and Amha Selassie; Emperor of Ethiopia.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be recognized by Federal Republic of Germany with the “Order of Merit”. I would like to thank all members associated with this award. Force Motors’ relationship with Germanydates back to 1950 when Shri. N.K. Firodia partnered with Vidal & Sohn Tempo Werke Germany to manufacture the HANSEAT 3 wheelers. Our association and collaboration has grown steadily over the past five decades with business and technical alliances with global leaders like Daimler, MAN, ZF and other leading companies.”

Dr. Abhay Firodia is the Chairman of Force Motors Ltd and has been leading the group companies since 1987. Under his guidance Force Motors has created a strong engineering infrastructure, and Research and Development facility. His leadership continues to guide the company in manufacture of utilitarian, cost effective, and quality products especially suited for Indian economy and rural conditions. Force Motors’ half a century of active collaborations with German companies has been enhanced by Dr. Abhay Firodia with new alliances and partnerships in the last decade. Dr. Abhay Firodia has been the President of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), the President of the Society of Indian Automobiles Manufacturers (SIAM), President of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and also the President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). Dr. Abhay Firodia is currently the President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture.