The Cabinet on 18 October 2012 approved the setting up of a National Automotive Board (NAB) under the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI).
The board will comprise domain experts who will promote research and development activities and play a big role in developing skills for the automobile sector. The board was envisaged as a national authority, to oversee the functioning of the National Automotive Testing and Research and Development Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) centres. The NAB will have members from the DHI, the Planning Commission, and the Ministries of Road Transport and Highways, Science and Technology, and Environment and Forests. Besides, there will be scientists and industry representatives on the board. It will also act as a think-tank for the Central Government, particularly looking at the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. The board will have its headquarters in the National Capital Region.
NATRIP was formed to set up new auto testing and research and development centres and to upgrade existing ones.