Suryansh Vaidya is a business leader serving as the director at Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), the CEO at Vaidya Energy, and the founder of Pitstop Incorporated. A graduate of Bentley University, he holds a degree in Business Management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Vaidya Energy is a sole distributor of Ather Energy, an electric scooter manufacturer. ApEx interviewed Vaidya regarding Ather, business and Nepali market.

How is the automobile market now in Nepal? Has it come to the point before covid?

The automotive market in Nepal has been in an exciting and unpredictable state from the time of covid. That is when I started working in the business and it has been a great learning experience, giving me an opportunity to build myself up stronger.

The automotive market actually performed well immediately after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. The pent up demand actually boosted sales to pre-covid levels right within a matter of months. We look at the performance now, it’s a different game altogether, this is a market where survival has been a question and can be traced back to some questionable decisions our country made.

The rapid adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), constituting over 60 percent of new vehicle sales in the past two years, is a pivotal trend with profound implications. This surge necessitates a keen examination of its impact on the market, environment, societal dynamics, and individual behaviors.

This adoption rate signifies a transformative shift in the automotive industry, demanding a strategic response from stakeholders. Beyond market changes, the shift to BEVs aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasizing the urgent need for environmentally responsible transportation choices.

Examining mobility preparedness is crucial; it extends beyond charging infrastructure to include servicing, spare parts availability, and workforce readiness. Gaps in second and third channel service centers underscore the need for strategic training programs to ensure a seamless transition.

The significant workforce employed in the automotive sector, exceeding 100,000 people, underscores the imperative for their smooth transition. Adequate training and opportunities are crucial to adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring business sustainability.

While acknowledging global investments in charging infrastructure during electric mobility transitions, our government faces fiscal challenges. The current deficit emphasizes the urgency of aggressive government investment, recognizing the private sector’s limitations in meeting national needs alone.

In essence, this condensed evaluation underscores the paramount importance of addressing these facets for a sustainable and thriving future of mobility in Nepal.

How did the idea come to tie up with Ather?

Inherited from my grandfather and nurtured by my family, our legacy has granted me the opportunity to explore and expand upon my interests. I find myself incredibly fortunate to be drawn to the dynamic world of mobility, recognizing it as a catalyst for economic development and societal progress. My journey with Toyota, a renowned company, exposed the challenge of reaching a broader audience due to our country’s current policies.

Seeking ways to bridge this gap, Ather, a beacon in the mobility industry, emerged as a potential partner. The initiation was a cold email, a leap of faith that yielded a surprising response from the Ather team. Notably, they remarked on my unique approach—a solitary call in a cafe, contrasting with the typical boardroom settings. Responding to their inquiries, I grounded my answers in comprehensive research, firmly believing in its role as the cornerstone of effective decision-making.

Our exchanges led to an invitation to Bangalore, where I had the opportunity to tour the Ather office, absorb the essence of their company culture, and, to my elation, learn that they had chosen us. The moment was a whirlwind of excitement and ecstasy, tempered by the realization of the substantial challenges that lay ahead.

Every day as I step into the Ather experience center, the memories of that transformative journey resurface. It serves as a constant reminder of the evolution from a speculative cold email to a collaborative partnership with a pioneering mobility company, fueling my determination to navigate the peaks and valleys of this ambitious endeavor.

How is Ather doing in the Nepali market?

Ather has exceeded our expectations, and our dynamic team in Nepal, brimming with energy, persistence, and motivation, has propelled us to success in the two-wheeler segment despite lacking prior experience. Witnessing these vibrant individuals do justice to the brand is truly gratifying. Despite Ather being a young company with just five years of experience in selling scooters, it has evolved into a powerhouse in India. Our gratitude goes to the Indian team for their invaluable support, guidance, and mentorship, ensuring nothing but success for us. We also commend Ather for its adaptability, learning, and success in both our country and the export market—marking their first venture outside of India. With over 100 units sold and a surge in bookings, we are currently out of stock. Our plans include delivering 40+ units for the launch of our second experience center in Lalitpur in January.

We are looking to expand our reach over the country and have been looking for dealers throughout the country. We are planning to expand to Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal and the East within the next four months and six more markets around the nation by Nov 2024.

We are dedicated to fostering trust within our customer community through our relentless efforts. Expanding our service network is a top priority, aiming to establish numerous touch points for enhanced accessibility. Our focus is on creating a comprehensive charging infrastructure across the country, with a particular emphasis on urban areas while not overlooking highway routes. By the end of March we should have a total 18 chargers across the country with 10 being installed inside the valley by the end of February. Ather has recently achieved approval as the Indian standard, ensuring that all future two-wheeler EVs will feature Ather’s plug point. This positions us to effectively serve the growing community of electric vehicle enthusiasts across the nation.

As the director of VOITH, what are the key areas you look into the company?

As a director, I perceive the role merely as a position, drawing from my early involvement in a business-centric family. Embarking on my official career in Toyota’s marketing department, I spearheaded an in-house team that clinched a prestigious marketing award across the entire subcontinent of South West Asia. This success fueled our expansion efforts, leading to the creation of Pitstop—a boutique workshop aimed at providing a personalized mobility experience for the people of Nepal, in collaboration with the skilled team at United Traders Syndicate.

Our journey extended with the establishment of Vaidya Energy, stemming from our association with Ather. Beyond business endeavors, our commitment lies in improving the lives of the people of Nepal by addressing critical needs. This includes delving into renewable energy projects, cultivating corporate agriculture to mitigate food imports and enhance food security, and contributing to education to unlock the full potential of our population. It’s a holistic approach aimed at fostering sustainable development and progress for the nation. Our projects span across developing and researching wind energy projects across Nepal to reduce our reliance on only one source that we have in Nepal. Initiating a citrus farm that would potentially offset imports from India, and establishing high level educational institutions that offer programs to place students in the best tech businesses on the planet.

What are your suggestions for aspiring young entrepreneurs?

Given my youth, I may not possess the qualifications to dispense advice, but I can certainly share my perspectives and experiences with those who will shape our nation in the coming decades. The current scenario appears disheartening as evidenced by the increasing number of Nepali citizens leaving the country on a daily basis. I hold profound respect for these individuals, recognizing their crucial role in sustaining our economy. My personal journey differs from that of many fellow citizens, and I am acutely aware of the privilege that comes with my circumstances. Grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, I am committed to utilizing my resources to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our nation.

I encourage the youth to look beyond the current state of our nation, maintaining a steadfast hope for our collective future. As the youth, we hold the power to effect positive change and make a lasting impact.

While some may perceive our country as lacking hope and opportunities, I choose to view it as a blank canvas where we can create a meaningful imprint. Opting to work in a developed foreign land might position us as mere components in a larger system, but here, we have the chance to conceptualize and construct that system according to our vision. Recognizing the exceptional potential within our people is inspiring. Traveling globally and hearing outsiders praise Nepali migrants for their unparalleled work ethic, discipline, and creativity brings me joy. We are acknowledged as some of the hardest working, most disciplined, and creative individuals on the planet.

• The Annapurna Express