Hiroshi Nishijima

We often get asked, why is it taking so long for Sooorya EV to be launched in the market? Sooorya EV was incorporated in 2017, and at that time I frankly did not expect it to take so long. I was aware that the traditional automobile product development cycle time was around 5 to 7 years, but was optimistic that we could deliver earlier. We initially started looking at the ‘Robo-Taxi’ segment, and that made me move to Singapore which had a test bed facility for ‘autonomous vehicles’ and many autonomous tech companies were based here. But after a year or two, I realised that it will take a couple of decades before Robo-Taxis become ubiquitous. We then started focusing on the driver driven, last-mile mobility segment and found a huge opportunity for affordable electric fleet vehicles. To speed up the development process, we started by exploring the usage of an existing chassis. However, we realised that using a chassis built for ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) was not efficient. We then looked at modifying an electric vehicle built in China, but realised that it entailed a lot of modifications, and not worth the effort. We also explored using third-party ‘Skateboard’ platform to build our EV, but that was too expensive for emerging markets. We then decided to build our own ‘born-electric’ & ‘purpose-built’ electric taxi for the fleet segment, especially for emerging markets. Over the next few years, we researched extensively the needs of the market, and I personally traveled to 5 continents, focusing on market opportunites and potential competition / partners. We set high standards for Sooorya EV, and wanted it to be the benchmark for electric fleet vehicles in developing countries. We explored all new technologies including ‘metal-air batteries’, ‘hybrid supercapacitor batteries’, ‘rotary engine as a range-extender’ ‘fully swappable batteries’ etc., in order to solve the charging downtime issue for fleet operators. Finally, we arrived at our unique vehicle architecture of ‘Fixed + Swappable Batteries’ + ‘Solar Roof & Regen Braking Power’, which reduces the charging downtime to just a few minutes. We also have a unique modular design (designed in Italy), so that it can be easily assembled in ‘Micro-Factories’. We decided that we will source modular components from suppliers, and not get into manufacturing directly. So, we become more of an integrator rather than manufacturer. This means that we had to wait for the EV supplier ecosystem to develop in India, rather than try to speed up our launch by manufacturing ourselves. We also wanted to have the right PMF (Product Market Fit), pricing plays an important role for the fleet segment, which is focused on TCO & ROI. Fortunately, battery prices have reduced considerably since we first started and the EV supplier ecosystem has matured, including for swappable batteries. We have everything in place to launch in 12 to 18 month’s, but the question we now get is how? Read this article…

21

3 Comments

#automobile #OEMs look towards the skies for sales growth. A normal monsoon is on the forecast and their hopes are pinned on rains being better than last year since this will determine sales momentum in rural pockets, among first time buyers for #twowheelers and #passenger vehicles. For #tractors which saw a 7% decline last fiscal, monsoon intensity and distribution will determine if the sector grows at all @ETauto TheEconomic Times

7

Omega Seiki Mobility is revolutionising the face of sustainable last-mile mobility in India with its innovative swappable EV three-wheelers in partnership with SUN Mobility Designed to address the critical challenges of urban transportation, OSM's swappable battery technology offers a practical and efficient solution for drivers and fleet operators. One of the key advantages of OSM's swappable EV three-wheelers is the significant reduction in downtime. Traditional electric vehicles often face extended charging periods, which can hinder productivity. OSM's swappable battery system allows drivers to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated swap stations, ensuring that vehicles remain on the road and operational throughout the day. This groundbreaking approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports environmental sustainability. By promoting the use of electric vehicles with swappable batteries, OSM is helping to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner and greener urban environments. Moreover, OSM's focus on affordability and accessibility ensures that its swappable EV three-wheelers are within reach for a wide range of users, from small business owners to large logistics companies. This democratization of green technology is vital for fostering widespread adoption and accelerating the transition to sustainable urban mobility. In essence, OSM is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in last-mile mobility, setting new standards for innovation and environmental stewardship in the Indian automotive landscape. #Mobility #MobilityRedefined #mobilityinnovation #mobilitymatters #hargharelectric #teamwork #swapping #batterytechnology

269

8 Comments

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate as a guest on the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast, joining host Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India. Our discussion focused on the Maruti Suzuki Alto, a significant vehicle in India's automotive landscape: - The Alto's journey: Launched in 2000, it became India's best-selling car with over 4.7 million units sold. - Current market position: Now ranking 16th in monthly sales, down from its previous top position. - Market dynamics: We analyzed factors contributing to this shift, including the rising popularity of SUVs and increasing vehicle costs. - Industry implications: The discussion explored what these changes mean for the hatchback segment and entry-level vehicles in India. This podcast offers insights into the evolving preferences of Indian consumers and the challenges facing compact car manufacturers in the current market. For those interested in the Indian automotive industry's trends and future directions, I recommend listening to the full episode. [https://lnkd.in/dQQCr_w9] #AutomotiveIndustry #MarutiSuzukiAlto #IndianAutomotiveMarket #AutocarPodcast

15

1 Comment

The #auto #pli scheme has seen middling success so far, with most successful applicant #oem s unable to register due to high entry barriers like networth, sales criteria. #olaelectric is the only OEM under 'non automotive investor' section to have got its products registered. In any case, not a single rupee of incentives has been disbursed till date under the #pli scheme, which has anyway been tweaked with new timelines. ETAuto The Economic Times #heavyindustries #automobiles

3

Great news ! Another great opportunity in wealth money through the Auto industry . Hyundai drives into IPO Lane Special thanks to @Murali Gopalan and @ETAuto team for sharing a comprehensive article Do read the below article and ready yourself for Hyundai IPO #wealththroughinvesting #SucessInWork #PassionInWork #TransformMindset

2

🚗 Why Maruti Suzuki Remains a Top Choice Despite Poor NCAP Ratings 🚗 As the CGM (Sales and Admin) at our Maruti Suzuki dealership, I often get asked how we continue to sell Maruti Suzuki vehicles well despite some lower NCAP safety ratings. The reality is that while safety ratings are crucial, they don't tell the whole story. Maruti Suzuki cars remain the first choice for millions of Indian customers due to a combination of factors that go beyond NCAP scores. Here’s why: 1. Affordability and Value: Maruti Suzuki offers exceptional value for money with competitively priced vehicles that come packed with features. This affordability makes them accessible to a broad range of customers. 2. Reliability and Service: Our vehicles are known for their reliability, low maintenance costs, and widespread service network. This translates into peace of mind for owners, knowing they are investing in a dependable car. 3. Fuel Efficiency: In a country where fuel costs are a significant consideration, Maruti Suzuki’s fuel-efficient models provide long-term savings, making them a practical choice for everyday driving. 4. Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki cars maintain strong resale value, a testament to their durability and popularity in the market. 5. Customer-Centric Approach: We are deeply committed to understanding and meeting our customers' needs. Our customer-centric approach ensures that each vehicle delivers the performance, comfort, and features that Indian drivers value most. It’s also important to address the reality of NCAP safety ratings. While these ratings are valuable, they may not always capture the full context of a vehicle's safety features or how they perform in real-world conditions. Not all ratings reflect the comprehensive safety measures implemented by manufacturers. We strive to inform our customers about the true safety standards and ongoing improvements in our vehicles. In a dynamic market, it’s the holistic value proposition that drives customer choice. Maruti Suzuki’s blend of affordability, reliability, and customer focus continues to make us a preferred choice for Indian drivers. #MarutiSuzuki #AutomotiveSales #CustomerFirst #CarSafety #VehicleValue #Innovation #IndianAutomotiveMarket #SafetyReality

13

In 2011, as Hero & Honda split after 28 years, many 'pundits' wrote off brand Hero. How could it survive without Honda's tech? How could it go up against powerhouses like Bajaj, TVS, Royal Enfield and erstwhile partner Honda, without a meaningful R&D? Why wouldn't customers leave the brand, now that the famous 'Honda' suffix was gone? Well, as it turned out, the pundits were wrong. In the 13 yrs past, Hero did the following - set up a world class R&D centre at Jaipur, hired high quality talent across functions, expanded to over 30 countries around the world, and continued to address the needs of millions of Indians who place their trust in a Splendor, a Passion, an HF-Deluxe every day. Has it been an ideal run? Far from it. Hero is yet to make a siginificant mark in the premium segment, its traditional weak base (although a slew of recent launches tries to turn this around). They have lost market share, yet the share price has continued to climb steadily. And internationally, they have been more successful in some markets than others. So, clearly there is still a long way to go. This is not an attempt to promote Hero, nor am I sponsored by anyone to do so. This is simply to express admiration for a brand which is often not entirely understood by a section of 'evolved bikers', nor by those who don't know Bharat as well as they should. Hero today, and Hero Honda of the past, is a brand as Indian as can be. The magic figure of a market cap of INR 1 Lakh is a testament that Hero is not going anywhere, is well & thriving, and deserves a salute, an applause from every Indian who has grown up with 'Desh ki dhadkan'. Congratulations #HeroMotoCorp, you make us all proud! #motorcycle #SIAM #BajajAuto #TVS #Splendor #Pulsar #India #Bharat #Yamaha #Suzuki #RoyalEnfield #HMSI #Honda #HMSI #HeroMoto

74

8 Comments

Experience founding & running an automotive start-up in Bangalore. While my customers are delighted with our service, I am no longer delighted being in this business. I believe it should work both ways. There are three primary reasons for this: 1. Low margins business: While we achieved our goal of becoming a net profitable company without ever compromising on Ethics and Customer Experience, the profit margins were very thin. With prices of vehicle component replacements commoditised, there is no way a company can charge higher for replacement of a spare part, even if the company delivered a consistently better customer experience. A clutch assembly is expected to cost the same, no matter how terribly or beautifully it is installed. We managed to beat this problem by requiring customers to pay a membership fee to avail our service. We had a brand that could command that value. Even with that, looking at projected profit margins from a potential pan India expansion, the returns did not look good enough for me to put in another decade of my life into this business. I still can, but I'm choosing not to. 2. Low tech business: While car manufacturing and design is high tech, service centers and car servicing in general remain a low tech business. After 9 years in the car servicing space, I was missing my previous professional bastion, information security, badly. I want to get back to something more high tech, and therefore exit car servicing. 3. Why not sell rather than wind up? As of this moment, I haven't been able to find a single company that can scale what we've built. Most companies in this space have already shut down, or are on that path. I spoke to most remaining players in the multi brand car servicing space. No one (I spoke to) has the appetite to buy a reputed brand like Wheels Wisdom, because they do not find our attention to detail either executable or scalable. It is incredibly tough to execute what we executed for even a year, leave alone for 9 long years. If there was someone who could actually scale what we've built, it was Wheels Wisdom. Because you not only need the capability, but also the conviction that your model is the right model. But then, I no longer have interest in this space. While my customers are delighted with our service, I am no longer delighted being in this business. I believe it should work both ways . My dream in school and college was to have my own garage buisness. But now I have evolved and still evolving my thoughts. #startup #entrepreneurs

6

Finally the Japs join the party. Brand name and quality should be winning factors for Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. to push its EVs in India... the QC1 looks tastier with its convenient bits, for both personal and gig use... Activa e:'s swap batteries will ease out range anxiety, though does miss out on a few practical aspects of what the Active ICE has formulated with Indian consumers... https://lnkd.in/gmPXWFDn

20

French automaker Citroen has taken a major step towards advancing electric urban mobility in India by teaming up with CAB-EEZ Infra Tech Pvt. Ltd. They have announced plans to supply 2,000 units of Citroen's e-C3 electric vehicle (EV) to CAB-EEZ within the year. This initiative aims to transform the transportation landscape in Mumbai and Pune by introducing more environmentally friendly options into the cities' fleets. The partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), began with the launch of the first batch of 100 e-C3 vehicles. This adds to CAB-EEZ's existing fleet of 200 e-C3 units, bringing the total number of these EVs in operation to over 300. This agreement marks a significant expansion for CAB-EEZ, a company already running 200 e-C3 cars. The initial 100 units from the new batch were unveiled at a special event in Mumbai, attended by key figures including Ashwani Muppasani, COO of Stellantis India-Asia Pacific Region, Shishir Mishra, Brand Director of Citroen India, and CAB-EEZ Directors Kuldip Ghosh and Indraneel Chakravarty. Delar, speaking on behalf of Citroen, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "CAB-EEZ has been an early supporter of the e-C3. Their ongoing preference for this product validates Citroen’s role as a significant player in promoting sustainable transportation solutions." Kuldip Ghosh, CEO of CAB-EEZ, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting its benefits for stakeholders and positioning CAB-EEZ as a leader in the electric urban mobility sector. The introduction of 2,000 e-C3 EVs forms part of a broader strategy to reduce the carbon footprint in Mumbai and Pune, aiming for a cleaner and more efficient urban transportation system. The Citroen e-C3 is notable in India’s e-mobility market for its impressive features, including a range of 320 km (ARAI-certified) and fast-charging technology that achieves nearly full charge in under an hour. Its spacious interior and ample cargo capacity make it versatile for various logistical needs. Citroen's collaboration with CAB-EEZ marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions. The deployment of these e-C3 EVs will not only enhance transportation infrastructure but also contribute to a greener environment in Mumbai and Pune. This initiative underscores Citroen's commitment to advancing eco-friendly transportation options in India’s rapidly developing urban areas.

22

2 Comments

Can business model shifts spur EVs? Separate the battery from the body? The new MG Motor AE #EV in India, the Windsor (based on the Wuling Cloud EV) is interesting. https://lnkd.in/gH8in3PB It's not just the low price (for spec), but the Pay As You GO (PAYGO) model - where the upfront cost is kept low but you "rent" the battery @Rs 3.5/km. Add in electricity and it's probably above Rs 4/km - still cheaper than diesel by a bit and much cheaper than petrol cars of similar spec. But this model makes it much easier for low-km drivers to buy in to an EV since they don't pay the premium for an EV (high up-front capex meant to be recovered with lower operating costs). There are two possible risks here. (1) High usage drivers will end up paying more; (2) Low km drivers will probably cost the company. A more subtle question is how is this billed and enforced? Do you prepay? Do they bill periodically? If you don't pay, do they brick your car remotely? I am NOT a fan of aaS (as a service) models unless the end-user has a fair choice. (h/t Cory Doctorow). We should own the hardware we pay for and be free to use it fairly. Plus this seems like not just a security risk but a huge headache to get the software right. Seems like the dream system for hackers - cut the right wires (odometer wire alone?) and free driving??? I note another enticing draw for people wary of EVs - battery lifetime warranty for the first owner.

30

13 Comments

EV start-up Raptee.HV unveils its T30 electric motorcycle, featuring advanced high-voltage technology In the process of raising $20 mn to scale up operations and fund growth plans Chennai-based EV start-up Raptee.HV, founded in 2019, has launched its electric motorcycle, the T30, which embraces high-voltage technology usually reserved for electric cars. Priced at ₹2.39 lakh, this sleek, futuristic machine is set to hit the roads by January 2025. As Raptee.HV charts an ambitious course, it seeks to raise $20 million to expand its horizons and scale up operations, all while the T30 promises an IDC-estimated range of 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km on a single charge. With the power to accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in under 3.5 seconds, the T30 promises a thrilling union of performance and cutting-edge technology. Dinesh Arjun.HV, Co-founder & CEO of Raptee.HV, told businessline that Raptee is not merely launching an electric motorcycle—they are unveiling a high-voltage architecture, a cutting-edge technology that took the company five years to develop. Arjun foresees that the electric motorcycle industry will shift towards high-voltage systems within the next five years. He also highlighted three key advantages this high-voltage architecture brings to the T30. Here’s a quick feature on Raptee’s new electric motorcycle and the company’s ambitious growth plans. Jayapradeep Vasudevan.HV Keerthivasan Ravi Thiru Srinivasan Gaurav Batra Suraj Ghosh Ashim Sharma Shamsher Dewan Kaushik Madhavan Puneet Gupta Harshvardhan Sharma Saket Mehra Hemal N Thakkar Kavan Mukhtyar

42

6 Comments

According to Fortune Business Insights™ global luxury #car #rental market is projected to grow from $49.15 bn in 2024 to $89.60 bn by 2032. The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global market due to consumers choosing to rent over buying. https://t.ly/dCAi5

4

1 Comment

Good news that final there are steps going to be taken to regulate safety and design in L3 segment. Both the braking efficiency and suspension of L3 are major concern. But manufacturers risks with low cost brakes and vulnerable suspension, which can topple in any situation. #ElectricPropulsion #EV #Battery #erickshaw #automotive #E-Mobility

7

Budget 2024 needs to offer policies and incentives to rev up auto industry growth - Times of India By Hemal ThakkarBudget 2024 expectations: India’s robust automotive industry is accelerating through a landscape transitioning in terms of demand, policy and technology. Given these variables, Budget 2024 will be crucial for the industry for three reasons.One, while the industry was rebounding after the Covid-19 pandemic, passenger and commercial vehicles faced growth hurdles, such as supply-chain disruptions, semiconductor shortage and a steep rise in commodity prices.Then in fiscal 2023 pen... Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dbEPVBp2 . . Like 💝 Comment below ⏬ Share ✅ For More Such Updates Follow Us @qnewshub @qnewscrunch . . #qnewshub #qnewscrunch #Business

1