In the heart of India’s bustling automotive landscape, a revolution is underway. A company driven by a vision of a tech-savvy future is redefining the industry. This forward-thinking entity, known as Acriolis India Motors, is not content with the status quo. They’re pioneers, pushing the boundaries of innovation and digitalization. Their commitment to India is unwavering, as they strive to address the unique challenges of the automotive market and deliver solutions that elevate efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Acknowledging their exceptional innovation, we at Lucknow Review interviewed Mrs. Darshana Jadon, Owner and Director, to learn more about how Acriolis works. Below are the highlights of the interview:

As one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to enter this dynamic ecosystem?

Our story begins during our college years. It all started when we participated in an event known as BAJA SAE. For those unfamiliar, BAJA SAE is a collegiate competition where teams design, build, and race off-road vehicles. This event is not just a race; it’s an intense, hands-on learning experience that challenges participants to apply mechanical engineering principles in a real-world context. The competition was more than just a test of engineering skill; it was an opportunity to innovate and solve complex problems, all while working under the pressure of stringent guidelines and deadlines.

This exposure to practical applications of engineering was eye-opening. It wasn’t just about building a vehicle; it was about solving problems and optimizing designs to achieve better performance. The competition highlighted the scope and potential of mechanical engineering, igniting a spark of interest in us.

At that time, we also became aware of the burgeoning presence of a major manufacturer in this segment in India. This was a clear indication that there was a growing market for all-terrain vehicles, and it presented a lucrative business opportunity. We realized that the industry was ripe for innovation and that our experiences and insights from BAJA SAE could be the foundation for a successful venture.

Seeing the potential, I decided to propose this business idea to my family. I approached my mother with the concept, explaining the gaps we had identified in the market and how our involvement could address these gaps. My mother, recognizing the potential in my vision and the passion behind it, supported me wholeheartedly. She provided us with the initial investment of ₹1,00,000/- to kickstart this venture. This gesture of faith and support was crucial, as it gave us the financial backing we needed to turn our idea into reality.

One of the significant challenges was building a vehicle that could stand up to the rigorous demands of the competition while also being commercially viable. We invested countless hours in research and development, testing different designs and materials to find the perfect balance between performance and cost. Our goal was not just to build a product that could compete but one that could set new standards in the industry. We also invested in building a strong brand presence, focusing on customer satisfaction and innovation. This approach paid off as we began to establish ourselves as a trusted name in the all-terrain vehicle market.

Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?

Acriolis India Motors’ success is driven by our guiding philosophy, which centres on Quality, Innovation, and Customer Satisfaction and is deeply rooted in our commitment to serving our country. Our vision is to address the unique challenges in the Indian automobile market and deliver products that elevate India’s standing in the global automotive industry.

• Quality: We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in every aspect of our work. Our rigorous quality control processes ensure that each vehicle we produce is reliable, durable, and performs exceptionally well. This commitment to quality builds trust and sets us apart in the competitive market.
• Innovation: Innovation is at the heart of our operations. We continuously explore new technologies and design solutions to stay ahead of industry trends and meet our customers’ evolving needs. By embracing innovation, we develop cutting-edge products that offer superior performance and value.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our customers are central to everything we do. We focus on understanding their needs and delivering exceptional service to exceed their expectations. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, we build strong relationships and foster loyalty.

Your firm has likely faced its share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?

During the research and development phase, when our machines were first considered for commissioning, we encountered significant challenges that tested our team’s resilience and ingenuity. During the testing and trials phase, we faced unexpected difficulties as our machines were put through rigorous conditions, including narrow tracks, four feet of snow, and steep 45-degree inclines with heavy loads. These extreme terrains were beyond what we had initially prepared for, revealing shortcomings in our design and performance.

Despite the obstacles, our team rallied together, displaying remarkable determination and creative problem-solving skills. We quickly identified the issues and worked tirelessly to develop solutions. This involved redesigning key components, enhancing our machines’ traction and stability, and conducting additional tests to ensure reliability under these harsh conditions.

Our ability to adapt and innovate under pressure allowed us to overcome these challenges. The final commissioning of our fully tested and refined machines not only met the demanding requirements but also earned us valuable recognition. This experience underscored our team’s resilience and ingenuity, demonstrating our capability to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Rather than halting progress, we embraced this adversity as a learning opportunity. We focused on continuous data gathering and conducted an in-depth analysis of our machines’ performance. This relentless pursuit of improvement led us to make substantial advancements over the next three years. By integrating the insights gained from rigorous testing and feedback, we enhanced our designs, materials, and technology.

Our dedication and perseverance paid off when we were commissioned a second time. This subsequent success validated our approach and demonstrated our ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. The experience not only strengthened our machines but also reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Looking to the future, what is your vision for your firm? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s evolving business landscape?

Looking to the future, our vision at Acriolis India Motors is to continue prioritizing our commitment to serving the country while expanding our impact on India’s evolving business landscape. Under the clear and strategic guidance of Mrs. Darshana Jadon, our Managing Director, we aim to build upon our solid foundation by diversifying into new and innovative off-road segments.

We are focused on scaling up by exploring and developing a range of specialized vehicles, including utility task vehicles, armoured task vehicles, and autonomous robotic vehicles. Each of these areas presents unique opportunities to address specific needs within both commercial and defence sectors. By venturing into these segments, we plan to enhance our product offerings and leverage our expertise to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing market.

Our commitment is to drive technological innovation and deliver high-quality, reliable solutions that contribute to the nation’s progress. We envision our firm playing a pivotal role in advancing India’s automotive industry and making a substantial impact through continuous improvement and strategic growth. Our goal is to be at the forefront of the industry, not only by expanding our product lines but also by contributing to the broader goals of national development and technological advancement.