Get All Access for $5/mo

Trendsetter of Automotive Industry I believe it is better to have a challenge than having no challenge, and with the increase in demands of our customers, it is a luxury challenge: President and Managing Director, Webasto

By Debarghya Sil

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Webasto
VIKAS PRASAD, PRESIDENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR, WEBASTO

Sunroofs were until recently not considered as a "must have' product for automotive customers. The thought of sunroofs in a country with a tropical climate was challenging. However, Vikas Prasad created the need and enticed a requisite for sunroofs to be installed in cars in India. The sunroof manufacturing sector has seen growth by leaps and bounds and has been making real strides in the automotive sector as OEMs realized that sunroof as a feature not only symbolized freedom but made the cars roomy and livelier. Gen X and Gen Z have grown a particular liking for sunroofs in their vehicles which has paved the path for Webasto to spearhead the sunroofs in the main league as a feature in the cars being sold in India.

The Webasto Group is a global innovative systems partner to almost all automobile manufacturers and among the top 100 suppliers in this sector. The company's product portfolio comprises a broad range of roof and heating systems for every type of vehicle and all drive types as well as battery systems and charging solutions. Webasto is also exploring the market potential for the charging infrastructure sector in India as the Government of India drives electro-mobility forward. During the COVID times when the morale was down
and the world saw massive dips in the market, Webasto entered the market and soon the company won four project acquisitions with the four biggest OEMs in India. The company and Vikas both were completely focused on the demands being made by their clients. Moreover, Vikas learned how to work with his colleagues without being physically present due to the state of complete lockdown in the nation. Due to the COVID-enforced restrictions, the blue-collar, as well as the whitecollar workforce, could not achieve the desired efficiency due to restricted environment. He added that body language and non-verbal cues became hard to read as the world adapted to the transition of physical to virtual. Vikas was able to convince the management that India had the potential, especially in the COVID times, when the global markets were sinking faster than the Titanic. The employees of Webasto were left completely awe-struck when they thought there would be massive lay-offs but the company was hiring at almost 400% with the number being close to around 400 by 2022, which is a massive step-up from 100 employees in 2021 as the company was gearing for exponential growth.

The company witnessed a rampant phase under his leadership as Vikas led the company from a nascent stage to the valuation of approximately 380 Crore by 2022, having faith in his vision and on his team. The company built a plant of over 200,000 sq. ft. with the space for expansion in the future. Vikas and his team were courageously optimistic as he decided to involve an Indian supplier when the first production line was imported and the suppliers could not travel due to the travel restrictions enforced by the pandemic. He had to
seek the help of his foreign colleagues from Germany, Japan, Korea, and China to remotely install the line without the physical presence of the experts using Virtual Reality, Microsoft Teams, and Video Conferencing which was the first time something like this was being done in the company's 120 year history. When asked about the biggest challenge he has faced, Vikas says, "I believe it is better to have a challenge than having no challenge, and with the increase in demands of our customers, I think it is a luxury challenge."

Debarghya Sil

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Correspondent

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

News and Trends

Aampe Gains USD 18 Mn from Theory Ventures and Z47 to Enhance Digital Product Personalisation

With the new funding, Aampe plans to double its workforce to meet the growing demand for its agentic infrastructure. The company aims to onboard more customers and streamline the integration of its technology into their workflows.

News and Trends

India's Data Center Capacity to Reach 2,070 MW by End of 2025: CBRE

Cumulative investment commitments in the data center sector in India to cross USD 100 billion by 2027. Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi-NCR to lead data center supply addition

Business News

I Tried Buying a Car on Amazon. Here Are the Pros and Cons.

Amazon Autos just launched, and users can buy a new car online. Here's how it works and what needs to improve.

News and Trends

Supply-Chain Financing Platform Mintifi Raises USD 180 Mn in Series E, Valuation Soars to USD 850 Mn

The raised funding will enable Mintifi to diversify its product offerings, such as dealer management systems, loans against property, and factoring services, powered by artificial intelligence.

Business News

Barbara Corcoran Says the Best Entrepreneurs Are Good at This One Thing

Real estate entrepreneur and investor Barbara Corcoran says a few key traits prove effective when starting a business. Here's her top pick.