My Journey As A Woman 'Driving' A Company In Automobile Industry

India boasts one of the world's largest auto industries, a significant contributor to the national GDP. Government of India data reveals a substantial increase in the auto sector's contribution to the GDP, rising from 2.77% in 1992-93 to a noteworthy 7.1% today. This vital industry directly and indirectly sustains a workforce of over 19 million individuals. The Two Wheelers segment, commanding an impressive 81% market share, stands as the frontrunner in the Indian Automobile market. This dominance is attributed to the expanding middle class and a youthful demographic.

Despite the positive impacts of liberalisation and strategic policy interventions, fostering a competitive market and welcoming new players while facilitating capacity expansion and employment generation, the auto industry in India has, for the most part, been marked by a prevailing male dominance.

My Journey As A Leader In The Industry

However, the emerging business opportunity in this sector has been one of the important driving forces for women to participate in this field. Before embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, like millions, my story also began in a simple family setting, where ambition was the driving force. During my school days, I took proactive steps to earn through internships and coaching, which I believe laid the foundation for a career marked by determination and curiosity.

My interest in automobiles was ignited during my involvement with a ground-breaking project, where I led a team- the only woman in a group of 29- designing and building an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). 

I also had the fortunate opportunity to hone my skills at Ashok Leyland which helped me gain valuable experience in new product development. However, my true calling emerged with the realisation that two-wheelers constitute a staggering 90% of the Indian automobile segment.

In my experience working within the automobile sector, I couldn't help but notice a stark contrast between the boardrooms and the shop floors of major players in the industry. While the boardrooms displayed a semblance of gender diversity, the shop floors and assembly lines were notably devoid of women representation, with only sporadic exceptions.

Insights like these, coupled with a keen understanding of market gaps and emerging trends, fuelled my conviction that there was a unique opportunity to create something transformative, which culminated in the form of Vegh Automobiles.

Starting my own venture allowed me to infuse my vision into every aspect of the business, from designing quality products that resonate with the Indian consumer to ensuring affordability without compromising on after-sales service. 

The modern women workforce, especially those who navigate the daily commute from home to office and vice versa has been a prime consideration in all my commercial decisions as I understand the evolving needs, having myself been a part, of this dynamic demographic. Our product designs and business strategies are meticulously tailored to align with the preferences and challenges faced by contemporary working women. From prioritising sleek, efficient designs that seamlessly blend into urban settings to ensuring affordability without compromising on cutting-edge features, every decision reflects an understanding of the demands placed on the shoulders of the modern working woman. 

Entering the industry came with its set of challenges, from adapting to new technologies to securing trained manpower and building a robust team. As the only woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated field, my journey was undoubtedly challenging. However, I understand that innovation flourishes when individuals are given the freedom to make decisions independently and take ownership of their work. I have always been a firm believer of the Laissez-Faire leadership model which stems from my trust in the capabilities of my team and our collective commitment to fostering an environment of autonomy and creativity. 

I am hopeful of a future that extends beyond personal success- a vision of a future where women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of India's auto industry. I believe that an environment that encourages diversity and inclusivity will not only challenge traditional norms but also bring forth innovative solutions. Diversity is a strategic imperative that injects fresh perspectives, creativity and adaptability into our rapidly and ever-evolving world. I envision a future where women entrepreneurs in the auto industry are not anomalies but integral contributors, where their insights and innovations redefine the industry's narrative and drive a more inclusive and dynamic automotive future for India. 

Authored by Pragya Goyal, CEO & Co-Founder of Vegh Automobile