‘Hinduja Group synergy the key’

Ashok Leyland, flagship company of the Hinduja Group, is known for its trucks and buses that run on internal combustion engines. But this legacy auto major has, in recent years, completely reinvented itself as an electric vehicle manufacturer through its subsidiary Switch Mobility. In the ICE space, Ashok Leyland's exports are mostly to West Asia, Africa and Sri Lanka. In EVs, Switch Mobility is focusing on UK and Europe with an order book today of 1,800 units and a 500-crore capex for product development. In this interview with TOI, Switch Mobility CEO Mahesh Babu discusses how EVs are critical to the group's strategy for the future. Edited excerpts: What were the main concerns and ambitions in the earlier days of Switch Mobility when you took over as CEO?The formation of Switch Mobility was driven by a clear vision to become a global technology leader in zero-emission commercial mobility, delivering products and solutions that create outstanding value for all our stakeholders. Our ambition has always been to lead the EV mobility space while addressing key customer concerns of product acceptance and business viability. At Switch Mobility, we are addressing these challenges through industry-first, technology-driven, and highly reliable products designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers. What were the synergies with the mother company that came in handy -- manufacturing capability, sourcing network, technology or brand?The robust synergies within the Hinduja Group have been instrumental in Switch's journey.Ashok Leyland: Their manufacturing expertise and robust supply chain enable us to bring products to market faster, enhancing operational efficiency.Hinduja Leyland Finance: Their EV-specific financing solutions make electric mobility more accessible, driving wider adoption among customers.Gulf Oil: They help us with unique charging infra solutions, EV-specific coolants and lubricants.Hinduja Tech Limited: Their expertise in advanced CAE product validations and simulations accelerates innovation.Hinduja Renewables: Their clean-energy solutions aid sustainable depot operations, reducing carbon footprint and operational costs. How globally integrated has Switch been from the get-go given that it is a future-tech company?From the outset, Switch was designed as a global entity, integrating teams, technology, and markets across India, the UK, Europe and the GCC. Our R&D centres in Chennai and Leeds (UK) work seamlessly, ensuring cross-pollination of ideas and innovations. This global integration is reflected in product design, world class manufacturing, safety, and connected technology. What kind of tech ambitions does a new tech mobility company such as Switch have?Our ambition is to advance towards a dominant software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture, enhancing the ownership experience and optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO) for our customers. At Switch, we see technology and innovation as the core driver of our brand, with a strong focus on building intelligent, connected, and efficient mobility solutions. This includes innovations in battery technology, energy efficiency, and vehicle connectivity. We are also investing significantly in digital platforms for vehicle telematics, predictive maintenance, and smart fleet management. How has the Indian mobility landscape and its challenges and opportunities aligned to EVs?The Indian mobility landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by sustainability goals, govt incentives, and growing customer awareness. While challenges such as charging infra and battery recycling persist, the opportunities far outweigh them. Urbanization, rising fuel costs, and push for cleaner cities have accelerated EV adoption. At Switch, we are aligning with these evolving needs by offering environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions for public transportation and last-mile logistics. Our products are designed to reduce carbon footprints and to deliver long-term value for operators. How big a support is the fact that Switch has the formidable Hinduja name behind it?Being part of the Hinduja Group gives us access to a vast ecosystem of expertise, resources, and partnerships across industries and geographies. The group's commitment to sustainable innovation aligns perfectly with our vision, and the strong financial backing ensures we can invest in long-term growth and innovation. It's not just about the name but the legacy of excellence, value and trust that comes with it. It is the responsibility of Switch to deliver products and services that are aligned to Hinduja's brand value.

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