MOTOR VEHICLE SPARE PARTS TRADERS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Started in 1987, the Motor Vehicle Spare Parts Traders Development Association was formed in Pudupet (the motor vehicle spare parts hub in Chennai), initially to settle disputes between traders and also ensure a proper forum to mediate between the government and the traders. Most importantly, the association has checked the flow of spare parts from stolen vehicles into the market, which had previously shown the market in bad light.

The Association, which has more than 500 members, has several schemes to benefit traders, like an ex-gratia payment of Rs.3000/- to the family of any trader who expires. This is given to help the family with the expenses towards the last rites of the deceased person. Monthly chits, from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 1 lakh are held among the traders, by the association.

The Association presently has, as its top priority, the need for a separate area for automobile traders in the suburbs and is involved in making representations before the concerned authorities. It has appealed to the State government and Chennai Corporation to create an 'Auto Nagar' on the lines of the ones created for automobile traders in Coimbatore, Madurai and Mettupalayam.

Elections for the post of President are held once every 3 years. D. Kandhasami is currently the President of the association.

To become a member of the association, one has to pay a one-time Membership fee of Rs. 200/- and pay a Monthly subscription of Rs. 15/-. An identity card would be issued to all members. Only the shop owners qualify to be members of the association.

Address: The Motor Vehicle Spare Parts Traders Development Association,
# 23, Adithanar Salai, Pudupet, Chennai 600 002,
Phone: 841 1782.

TAMIL NADU TYRE DEALER'S ASSOCIATION

The Tamil Nadu Tyre Dealer's Association was formed in 1961. Between 1961-62 there was a truck tyre shortage in the country, that gave birth to the Madras Tyre Dealer Syndicate which started functioning from 147, Mount Road. 50% of the total supply for Chennai was distributed through the Syndicate. During 1966-68 there was a car tyre shortage and again in 1970-74 there was an acute shortage of truck tyres. Once again the association came into the picture to help operators from Chennai, Chinglepet, South Arcot District and Pondicherry.

In 1991, the association wanted to expand its activities to the whole of Tamil Nadu. It enrolled members from down South and the name of the association was accordingly changed to the Tamil Nadu Tyre Dealer's Association. The association was registered with the Registrar of Societies in May 1991. The objective of the association is grievance redressal and dealer education on various common interests.

The major problems that the dealers face is Sales tax. The Sales tax rate difference in any State immediately effects the flight of trade to that particular State. The association has been taking up its case to the Commercial Tax officials. Also, the Central Government is planning to have uniform Sales tax in all States. The association has successfully fought and scrapped the dual Tax system.

Another problem dogging the dealers is excess supply to the neighbouring State of Pondicherry, which has directly affected trade in Tamil Nadu. The association has on numerous occassions represented its case to the manufacturers on this issue to restrict excessive supplies to Pondicherry and thus improve trade in Tamil Nadu.

Address: # 171, Avvai Shanmugam Road,
Gopalapuram, Chennai - 600 086.
Phone : 811 3538.

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