India boasts the world’s largest automobile industry and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. According to Indian government data, the contribution of the automobile sector to GDP has increased significantly, rising from 2.77% in 1992-93 to an impressive 7.1% today. This important industry directly and indirectly supports a workforce of over 19 million people. The two-wheeler sector has a staggering 81% market share, making it the top contender in the Indian automobile market. This advantage can be attributed to the growing middle class and youth demographics.
Despite the positive impact of liberalization and strategic policy interventions, fostering competitive markets, and welcoming new entrants while promoting capacity expansion and job creation, the Indian automobile industry remains largely male-dominated. It is characterized by being dominant.
My journey as an industry leader
However, new business opportunities in this field are one of the key drivers for women to join the field. Like millions of people, my story began in a humble family environment where ambition was the driving force before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey. As a student, I actively tried to earn money through internships and coaching, which I believe laid the foundation for a career full of determination and curiosity.
My interest in cars was sparked when I took part in a ground-breaking project. There, I led a team that was the only woman in her group of 29 people designing and building all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
I was also fortunate enough to hone my skills at Ashok Leyland, gaining valuable experience in new product development. But my true calling came with the realization that two-wheelers account for an astonishing 90% of India’s automobile segment.
In my experience working in the automotive industry, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the boardrooms of industry giants and the manufacturing floors. Although gender diversity was represented in the boardroom, there was a significant lack of female representation on the shop floor and assembly line, with sporadic exceptions.
These insights, coupled with a keen understanding of market gaps and emerging trends, reinforced my belief that there was a unique opportunity to create something transformative, culminating in Vegh Automobiles. did.
By starting your own venture, you will inject your own vision into every aspect of the business, from designing quality products that resonate with Indian consumers to ensuring affordable prices without compromising on after-sales service. I was able to.
Because I am part of this dynamic demographic myself and understand the evolving needs of today’s female workforce, especially those who make the daily commute from home to the office and vice versa. is a top consideration in all commercial decisions. Our product designs and business strategies are meticulously tailored to the preferences and challenges faced by today’s working women. From prioritizing a sleek, efficient design that blends seamlessly into the urban environment to ensuring affordability without compromising cutting-edge features, every decision falls on the shoulders of today’s working woman. It reflects an understanding of the requirements.
Entering this industry came with its own set of challenges, from adapting to new technology to finding trained talent and building a robust team. As the only female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field, my journey has definitely been challenging. However, I understand that innovation thrives when individuals are given the freedom to make independent decisions and take responsibility for their own work. I have always been a strong believer in the laissez-faire leadership model. This stems from trust in the team’s abilities and a collective commitment to fostering an environment of autonomy and creativity.
I am hopeful for a vision of a future that goes beyond individual success, one in which women entrepreneurs play a central role in shaping the landscape of India’s auto industry. I believe that an environment that fosters diversity and inclusion not only challenges traditional norms, but also creates innovative solutions. Diversity is a strategic imperative that injects new perspectives, creativity and adaptability into a rapidly evolving world. I believe that women entrepreneurs in the auto industry will no longer be outliers but essential contributors, and their insights and innovations will redefine the industry narrative and drive a more inclusive and dynamic automotive future for India. I envision the future.
Written by Pragya Goyal, CEO and Co-Founder of Vegh Automobile