EKA Mobility, Mitsui, & VDL Groep Forge Strategic Partnership In India

EKA Mobility has joined forces with Mitsui & Co Ltd (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands) in a strategic and long-term partnership, signalling a significant leap forward for the Indian automotive industry.

This collaboration stands as one of the largest and most impactful partnerships in India’s new mobility segment, combining the strengths and expertise of three prominent automotive conglomerates in Asia and Europe. EKA Mobility, known for its advanced electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystem, will receive substantial investments from Mitsui and technological support and equity partnership from VDL Groep, a Dutch technology and manufacturing company.

Mitsui & Co Ltd will make significant financial investments in EKA Mobility, facilitating the scaling up of manufacturing operations and the expansion of the product portfolio. Mitsui will also extend support to EKA for exports to select emerging markets and the establishment of systems and processes.

About the partnership

As part of the partnership, VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and Europe’s leader in electric buses and coaches, will transfer technology to EKA Mobility for the production of electric buses in India, catering to the Indian market.

The alliance aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting local manufacturing and job creation, reinforcing the country’s position in the global EV market. The cooperation emphasises a commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious mobility solutions, contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints.

Dr Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, expressed his views on the partnership, stating, ‘This partnership with Mitsui and VDL Groep represents a significant step toward making India a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We are proud to join forces with such distinguished partners who share our vision of sustainable, profitable & efficient transportation.’

Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co. India, emphasised their aim to contribute to ‘Make in India’ and export EKA’s competitive products to overseas markets. Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO VDL Bus & Coach, expressed excitement about the partnership and highlighted the synergy benefits expected, particularly in procurement and development areas.

EKA Mobility, approved under the Champion OEM Scheme and EV component manufacturing scheme of the Government of India’s Auto PLI policy, has positioned itself as a key player offering end-to-end design, manufacturing, and technology for new energy vehicles in India. With a robust order book, including over 500 electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicles, EKA Mobility is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s transition to sustainable mobility. The company plans to manufacture all vehicles in India, at its proposed state-of-the-art facilities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.