EKA Mobility, a prominent Indian electric vehicle and technology firm, has forged a partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for India’s automotive industry, driving the nation toward becoming a global center for sustainable transportation. The alliance aims to establish cutting-edge global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) within the region.
This partnership stands as one of the most significant alliances in India’s emerging mobility sector, uniting the expertise and strengths of three major automotive conglomerates across Asia and Europe. Together, they aim to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative electric mobility solutions globally. EKA Mobility, renowned for its advanced electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystem, will receive substantial strategic investments from Mitsui, a global trading and investment giant known for its industrial innovation contributions. Additionally, VDL Groep, a leading Dutch technology and manufacturing company, will provide technological support and engage in an equity partnership with EKA Mobility.
The combined resources and expertise of these entities will usher in a new era of sustainable transportation and manufacturing excellence.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Strategic Investment: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. will make significant financial investments in EKA Mobility, facilitating the scaling up of manufacturing operations and diversification of the product portfolio. Mitsui will also aid EKA in exports to select emerging markets and in establishing efficient systems and processes.
- Technological Leadership: VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and a front-runner in electric buses & coaches in Europe, will support EKA Mobility by transferring technology for the production of electric buses in India, specifically for the Indian market.
- Strengthening ‘Make in India’: Aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the alliance focuses on promoting local manufacturing and job creation.
- Sustainability: The cooperation emphasizes a commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious mobility solutions, contributing to reducing carbon footprints.
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, highlighted the significance of this partnership in India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. He expressed pride in joining forces with partners who share the vision of sustainable, profitable, and efficient transportation.
Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division at Mitsui & Co. India, emphasized leveraging EKA’s engineering expertise, VDL’s technological capabilities, and Mitsui’s global network to support ‘Make in India’ and promote eco-friendly societies.
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach, sees promising opportunities in India’s growth market and envisions synergy benefits in procurement and development through this cooperation.
EKA Mobility, as an approved commercial vehicle manufacturer under the Champion OEM Scheme & EV component manufacturing scheme of the Indian Government’s Auto PLI policy, aims to design, manufacture, and offer end-to-end new energy vehicles in India. With advanced research centers and proposed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the company is poised to introduce a range of electric vehicles, contributing to India’s sustainable transportation landscape.
