By Chandran Iyer
In the vibrant tapestry of India’s industrial landscape, certain personalities stand out for their extraordinary contributions and enduring legacies. Mr. Arun Firodia, the esteemed chairman of the Kinetic Group, is undeniably one such figure. His journey, spanning decades of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, is a narrative that not only chronicles the evolution of an empire but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and change-makers.
Affectionately known as “Mr. R & D,” Arun Firodia has left an indelible mark on India’s industrial landscape with his groundbreaking innovations and tireless commitment to societal progress. Renowned for his transformative contributions to the automotive sector, Firodia’s creations, such as the iconic Kinetic Luna and Kinetic Honda, have not only provided mobility solutions to millions but have also symbolized freedom and independence, notably for women across the nation. The resonance of “Chal meri Luna” and the endearing monikers “Kine” or “KiHo” epitomizes the emotional connection these vehicles forged with the masses.
“The Kinetic Group has big ambitions,” said Mr. Firodia. “We are today a 1200 crore group and aiming for massive growth at 20% a year in the next 6-7 years, towards a 10,000 crore target.”
Arun Firodia’s tryst with the automotive realm began in the early 1970s when he assumed leadership of the Kinetic Group, succeeding his father, HK Firodia. The company, initially established as a manufacturer of automotive components, underwent a remarkable transformation under Arun Firodia’s stewardship. With a keen eye for emerging trends and market dynamics, Firodia recognized the immense potential in India’s burgeoning automotive sector and charted a course towards innovation and expansion. Since then, there has been no looking back.
What sets Firodia’s endeavors apart is their pioneering nature, introducing new mobility categories while incorporating cutting-edge technology, yet ensuring affordability for the middle class—a hallmark of his visionary approach. Building on this legacy, Firodia has embarked on a mission to combat pollution by spearheading the development of advanced electric vehicles (EVs) aimed at democratizing green mobility. His leadership at Kinetic Green has positioned the company as a frontrunner in the electric three-wheeler segment, propelled by a commitment to innovation and accessibility.
“Kinetic is a trailblazing company committed to innovation, dedicated to the ‘Make in India’ ethos, and driven to deliver unparalleled convenience, comfort, and value to our customers across the nation,” stated Firodia.
It’s impressive to hear about Mr. Arun Firodia’s continued dedication and activity at the age of 80. Such commitment and enthusiasm for his work are commendable and serve as an inspiration to many. His active involvement in overseeing his company’s operations demonstrates a strong work ethic and a passion for what he does. It’s a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions and making a meaningful impact in the business world.
Under his leadership, Kinetic Green has already established itself as a leader in the Electric Three-wheeler segment. He has also set up a DSIR Certified EV R&D center and focused on bringing EVs powered with advanced lithium-ion batteries. Going a step further, he now has entered into partnerships with leading players like BPCL and Ola Electric to set up Battery Swapping Stations in order to make EV battery infrastructure available at every 2 km in Indian cities. “Our goal is to bring 10,00,000 EVs to Indian roads in the next few years,” added Mr. Firodia.
He said, “EVs are not just the future; they are the present reality. We are fully committed to investing in every aspect of this transformative industry, from the development of cutting-edge components to the production of innovative vehicles.
“Green technology is undeniably the future of automobiles, and electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in this transformative journey. EVs are ideal for smaller vehicles, while hydrogen holds promise for larger, long-range vehicles like trucks,” Mr. Firodia added.
Kinetic recently re-launched the iconic two-wheeler Luna in an electric avatar, addressing the demand for affordable electric vehicles (EVs), more than two decades after its initial introduction. E-Luna is available at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 69,990, as announced by Sulajja Firodia Motwani, founder and chief executive officer of Kinetic Green, after Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari launched the vehicle in February 2024.
While Luna was a moped, e-Luna couldn’t be classified as a moped as it does not have pedals. “It is a multi-utility electric two-wheeler. While it is born from its predecessor, it is a result of nostalgia plus innovation. e-Luna features a 2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a range of 110 kilometers (km) on a single charge. Luna, initially launched in 1972, went out of production in 2000. Currently, about 50,000 mopeds are sold in India per month, with TVS leading the market with its XL100. However, XL100 is an internal combustion engine-run vehicle available at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 44,999. The company has already partnered with multiple EV financiers as well as small finance banks to ensure that e-Luna is available to customers at installments of not more than Rs 2,000 per month.
The Kinetic Group has a diverse portfolio ranging from automotive to engineering and even real estate, and ensuring synergy among these diverse businesses is not easy. Explaining how the company drives growth across all these sectors, Mr. Firodia says, “Different family members drive different business verticals, with the help and leadership of competent industry experts and professionals. So there is a focus of family/promoters to drive long-term strategy and there is also adequate technology and expertise required deployed – with a strong professional team and experts in that field.
“Our focus is on Moving technology- horizontal movement through automotive technology and vertical through elevators (with Hyundai). We are an engineering and technology-focused group,” added Mr. Firodia.
The Kinetic Group has a significant presence in international markets. These come with unique challenges and opportunities. But it navigates through these challenges through its philosophy to “Think Global, Act Local.” It is a strategic approach that emphasizes the importance of considering global perspectives while implementing actions at the local level.
A luminary in engineering and management, Firodia’s academic pedigree from prestigious institutions like IIT Mumbai and MIT underscores his intellectual prowess. His pursuit of excellence transcends personal achievements, as evidenced by his establishment of the H K Firodia Memorial Foundation, dedicated to honoring his father’s legacy. Through initiatives like the H K Firodia Awards for Excellence in Science & Technology, Firodia aims to inspire the next generation of Indian scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry.
For his outstanding contributions to nation-building, Firodia was conferred with the Padmashree, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2012—an accolade befitting his unwavering dedication to industry, society, and the spirit of innovation.
Firodia’s initiatives extend beyond the automotive realms, encompassing diverse domains such as aerospace and assistive technology. As an advisor to the Government of India, he played a pivotal role in conceiving a 90-seater aircraft, alongside contributing to crucial projects like the ‘Earthquake Warning System’ and technology enabling the visually impaired to access printed materials—a testament to his multidisciplinary vision.
Today, with integrity, hard work, and honesty, the Kinetic Group has been able to build long-lasting partnerships with various companies across India and abroad.
“Our mission is to serve our customers with a smile and bring to them high-quality products and services. As an initiative, we launched “Make In India” products for our esteemed customers and within a span of just 5 years, we have been able to sell 1200+ color sorter machines not only in India but also in Africa and Nepal,” added Firodia.
When asked about the key priorities and focus areas for the Kinetic Group in the next few years, Firodia said, “Development and scaling up of Green Tech and EV tech will be the main focus. It will be the building block for Kinetic Group’s strategy for the next ten years, at various levels: Design, partnerships, skills for EV/green tech components, aggregates, vehicles, and its marketing locally and globally.”
A brilliant engineer and a successful industrialist, philanthropist and social activist, Mr. Arun Firodia has strived to serve the industry and society at large in various ways, and for his dedication and contributions, the President of India honored Mr. Arun Firodia with Padmashree (2012), which is one of the highest civilian honors in recognition of his contribution to nation-building.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to businesses globally. However, the Kinetic Group navigated successfully through the challenges posed by the pandemic by deploying a strategic approach centered around pivots. For instance, Kinetic Clean Energy (KCL) introduced innovative technology for disinfecting, while Kinetic Green (KG) launched new electric vehicles tailored for fogging and disinfection purposes. Throughout this period, the group remained steadfastly focused, lean, and patient, ensuring its resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.