Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the automotive digital platform TimesDrive.in
Mumbai:Times Network Digital hosted the Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 in New Delhi. The landmark event brought together automobile manufacturers, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to honour winners across 20+ categories and explore transformative solutions in the electric mobility and sustainability sectors.
At the event, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, unveiled the newly upgraded TimesDrive.in, a next-generation digital automotive platform featuring cutting-edge innovations like personalized recommendations powered by Generative AI and NLP, vehicle-buying assistance, doorstep test drives, a smart travel companion, and flexible financing options, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. Alongside delivering unmatched coverage of the Indian and global automotive industries, TimesDrive.in offers a section dedicated to alternate fuel vehicles with Times Drive Green, a pioneering initiative championing sustainable mobility. With in-depth news, expert insights, and intuitive tools, Times Drive Green educates and inspires consumers to embrace eco-friendly mobility solutions, shaping a cleaner, greener future.
Delivering the special address at the Times Drive Green Conclave and Awards 2024, Chief Guest, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “India is the fastest-growing economy in the world and our mission is to make India Atmanirbhar Bharat—and pursue sustainable development. With the transport sector accounting for 40% of air pollution and annual fossil fuel imports worth ₹22 lakh crores, transitioning to alternatives like biofuels is essential. CNG-powered vehicles are gaining popularity in regions like Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, with over 400 bio-CNG projects underway. I have supported the transition to electric and biofuels for tractors, as this shift is crucial for reducing pollution and saving costs. Several companies are working on electric tractors, as CNG-powered tractors are becoming popular. Biofuels like ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen are the fuels of the future.
Emphasizing on the rapidly growing automobile industry, he further added, “Indian automobile industry, valued at 22 lakh crores surpassed Japan to become the third-largest in the world. We aim to make India the number one automobile industry globally in the next five years. This key sector, India’s top exporter and largest GST contributor, has generated 4.5 crore jobs. Coupled with alternative fuels like bio-CNG and hydrogen, the industry’s growth will reduce pollution and fossil fuel imports, boosting India’s economy. Initiatives like municipal waste-to-bio-CNG projects, including in Nagpur, showcase the potential of a green economy to drive sustainability, create jobs, boost exports, and make India Atmanirbhar Bharat. This green drive is key to making India stronger, not just economically, but in our commitment to sustainable progress.”
Rohit Chadda, COO and President – Digital, Times Network said, “TimesDrive.inis the future of automobile ownership providing users latest news, reviews, and the best deals on cars and bikes. With an AI-powered smart assistant offering personalised buying recommendations, travel tips, and on-road support, the platform is going to make users’ journeys smarter and safer.”
The Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 winners are:
| CATEGORY | WINNER NAME |
| EV CEO of the Year | K Vijaya Kumar, Greaves Electric Mobility |
| Fastest growing EV Brand of the Year | Ampere Nexus |
| Business Impact through Social Media | Apollo Tyres |
| Most innovative EV technology | MG BAAS |
| Best Motor Insurance Company of the Year | Bajaj Allianz General Insurance |
| Luxury EV SUV of the year | Mercedes EQS 580 |
| EV Car of the Year | MG Windsor |
| EV Sedan of the Year | BYD Seal |
| Luxury EV Sedan of the Year | BMW i5 M60 |
| Compact EV of the Year | Tata Punch |
| Best Design EV Two Wheeler | Oben Rorr EZ |
| EV Bike of the Year | Ultraviolette F 77 mach 2 |
| Best User Experience in an EV | Mercedez EQA |
| EV Startup of the Year | E Motorad |
| EV Manufacturer of the Year | Tata Passenger Electric Mobility(TPEM) |
| Best Alternative Fuel Car of the year | Maruti Swift CNG |
| Best Alternative Fuel Two Wheeler of the year | Bajaj Freedom CNG |
| Best Battery Technology | BYD |
| Green Initiative towards Sustainable Mobilty | Citroën |
| Luxury 6 Seater SUV of the Year | Kia EV9 |
| Best Electric Commercial Vehicle | EULER |
In the digital era, publishers and content creators have emerged as influential voices, shaping perceptions and driving awareness across industries. Times Drive recognizes creators in the auto sector as key players in making green mobility accessible and relatable and will collaborate with them to take their content to a larger audience through its multiple platforms. Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 awarded the top auto creators, celebrating their role in inspiring change and championing the future of mobility.
The Times Drive Green Conclave & Awards 2024 (Auto Creator) Winners are:
| CATEGORY | WINNER NAME |
| Upcoming Auto Creator | Arsh Jolly |
| Popular Auto Creator in North | Dayakaran Singh Dhaliwal |
| People Choice Award for Auto Influencer in North | Vivek Saini |
| Fastest Growing Youtuber | MD Danish |
| People Choice Award for Travel and Auto | Vikash Dayal |
| Family Drive Content Creator | Gagan Modi |
| In-Depth Motorcycle Content Creator | Harish Solanki |
| Long-form Auto Content Creator | Vishal Ahlawat |
| Female Travel Creator On Two Wheels | Nupur Kalra |
| Driving Tips And Tricks Creator | Tushar Bhalla |
| Extreme Superbike Creator | Karamjeet Singh |
| Superbike Speed Creator | Atharva |
The successful conclave highlighted a shared commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and set the stage for celebrating trailblazers in India’s green mobility revolution.