• RENDEZVOUS
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM), a part of the Anglian Omega Network, in partnership with MAW Vriddhi Commercial Vehicle Pvt Ltd has introduced two electric three-wheeler vehicles including the Stream and Rage plus for passenger and cargo segments, respectively, in Nepal. With commitments to develop and provide green and sustainable solutions in the market, the India-based company is expanding operations globally as a part of its goal to become the 'Tesla of the east' for cargo vehicles. Sangay Sherpa from The Himalayan Times caught up with Uday Narang, founder of OSM and vice-chairman of Anglian Omega Network, to gain insight into the company's plans for the country going forward and the benefits of EVs for Nepali consumers. Excerpts:
Can you please tell us about OSM, its products, and services targeted for Nepal?
OSM is one of the leading electric players in India and other markets we operate in. We have produced vehicles for cargo and passenger purposes in all segments of our vehicle categories, including two-, three-, and four-wheelers. We believe that OSM can deliver a huge quantity of products for the global market with our passenger segment of three-wheelers and our cargo trucks which is the heart of shipping logistics. We are working on producing vehicles as well as building an ecosystem surrounding green energy. We are running very large logistic plans globally and have approached Nepal to provide our solutions here.
We are opening dealerships for our three-wheeler passenger vehicles and cargo if necessary as per OSM's initial plans in the country. With Nepal's commitment to tackling climate change in COP27, we believe that our products fit perfectly to assist and provide solutions for Nepal as well as the global market. We will always make products locally in terms of design, and quality depending on the needs of the customers and continue growing our market here similar to what we have done in other markets. We are also working on smaller vehicles in the coming years as introducing the expensive and heavy vehicles here is not going to solve the green energy and sustainability problems. Our teams are working across the globe to develop technologies as per consumer needs and introduce them to the market and we will continue to do that.
How has the experience in the EV industry been for OSM in India and other countries the company is working in?
OSM is currently delivering its products and services to 20 countries and we have expanded our markets in all of them. As a company, we wish to operate in every single country but our main focus will remain on green energy and sustainability because we want to bring change. We can provide products that run on green energy and want to help countries to decrease their dependency on oil. OSM products have been well appreciated in the market and we have introduced products faster than any company in the industry. Alongside being a key player in green and sustainable development, quality and safety are at the heart of OSM. We are working on producing tractors, and school buses among multiple other products that can benefit Nepali people significantly.
Our products are meant for the rural market and the idea is to make quality and affordable products if we have to build a long-term vision in the countries we operate.
We have been in the industry for four years and have sold 5,000 units in India alone and about 2,000 in other markets this Indian financial year as per our latest data. The sold units only consist of our three-wheeler passenger and cargo vehicles. Our trucks have just been fully developed for the commercial market and will further boost our operations here and abroad.
Please share your observations on the Nepali market and the competition here. What strategies will OSM use to penetrate the market here?
Competition is always good for the market. Companies will have to make better products than their competitors, ultimately benefiting the consumers. We are a company that makes products in terms of quality, design and other facilities. We are building something that will change the face of mobility in terms of three- and four-wheelers, among other products. We have aligned forces with the MAW Vriddhi Commercial Vehicle Pvt Ltd, which is a significant player in the Nepali automobile market. The competition will always remain, but we are committed to developing new technology and building effective products as per our consumers' needs. The present market demands innovations and technology every day and I believe OSM is doing just that. We are already one of the leading players in the market because of our rapid development in technology and have to make sure that we can understand the market and the consumers.
I believe that alliance with our partners, development of technology, and our products are what differentiate us from other brands in the market. I want people to reach out to OSM and inquire about our products. People may not buy them but we will do everything to explain and educate them about us, hoping that they will join our journey.
What are the benefits of converting to EV for businesses in Nepal as well as the environment?
It is important to understand that future generations need to live in a country with clean energy. Nepal has a huge potential in hydropower and can use that to its advantage.
Depending on localisation, we want to make sure that our products provide efficient and quality service at affordable prices and assist countries to lose their dependency on oil, which is a must. Nepal being an energy-sufficient country still heavily relies on oil and imports them, negatively affecting its economy. It is time for countries to shift their reliance on green energy from oil and we are here to make that happen. OSM is committed to delivering its products to Nepal to help it meet its green energy goals and decrease its dependency on imported oil.
Nepal has a young and dynamic population. Our EV vehicles could minimise the costs for the Nepali people and increase their savings.
Pushing the use of green sustainable energy alongside helping people to increase their incomes is what OSM believes in and strives for.
Do you have any key impressions and observations to share from this visit?
The Nepali people are very beautiful and we think it is essential for us to combine forces. Nepal is not just a place for vacation or tourism activities but has the potential to become a strong economic power. The youth force and energy source are the country's biggest strength and are key for the country to develop further.
A version of this article appears in the print on December 5, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
