Biplab Das 
EKA Mobility, a prominent electric vehicles and technology company based in India, has recently forged a significant partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. from Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands. This alliance, viewed as a major milestone for the Indian automotive industry, aims to position India as a global hub for sustainable transportation.
Key points of the partnership
1. Strategic investment by Mitsui:
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. commits substantial financial investments in EKA Mobility, fostering the expansion of manufacturing operations and product portfolios. Mitsui’s global trading and investment expertise will support EKA in exports to emerging markets and establishing robust systems and processes.
2. Technological support from VDL Groep:
VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and a leading electric buses & coaches manufacturer in Europe, will transfer technology to enable EKA Mobility to produce electric buses in India.
3. ‘Make in India’ initiative:
The collaboration aligns closely with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reinforcing the commitment to local manufacturing and job creation.
4. Sustainability focus:
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious mobility solutions, contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints.
Leadership insights
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. He expressed pride in joining forces with partners who share a vision of sustainable, profitable, and efficient transportation.
Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co. India, emphasized their aim to contribute to “Make in India” by leveraging EKA’s engineering excellence, VDL’s technological capabilities, and Mitsui’s global network.
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO VDL Bus & Coach, expressed delight in partnering with EKA Mobility and Mitsui, foreseeing synergy benefits, especially in procurement and development, in the promising Indian growth market.
EKA Mobility’s standing
EKA Mobility is an approved commercial vehicle manufacturer under the Government of India’s Champion OEM Scheme and EV component manufacturing scheme.
The company provides end-to-end design, manufacturing, and technology for new energy vehicles in India.
EKA Mobility’s state-of-the-art facilities in Pune, Maharashtra, focus on research, development, engineering, and innovation.
The company’s order book includes over 500 electric buses and 5,000+ electric light commercial vehicles designed and manufactured in India.
EKA Mobility’s diverse portfolio includes electric city buses, staff carriers, school buses, and a 9-meter hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus. The company is poised to enter the last-mile delivery segment with a range of electric light commercial vehicles customized for the Indian market.
This collaboration is anticipated to drive advancements in sustainable transportation and manufacturing excellence, contributing to the global shift towards electric mobility.
