Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd., a leading player in the power back-up industry in India, is aiming for a massive growth in its recently-forayed automotive battery aftermarket business. Su-Kam which makes power back-up inverters and batteries for homes and offices had introduced the ‘Automate’ automotive grade batteries last year for commercial and passenger vehicles of different capacities to suit their varied power requirements. It has already received overwhelming response for its Automate-branded products now available across a wide network of dealers and distributors in India.
In his first interview with MOTORINDIA, Mr. Madan Kotnala, Director & COO, Su-Kam Power Systems, observed: “There are over 1.5 crore automotive batteries which are sold in the aftermarket on an annual basis. So we developed batteries specially designed for owners of such vehicles who do not want to go that extra mile for vehicle maintenance. Initially, we pilot-tested some imported batteries and later started our own production in 2013. During April 2013-January 2014, we distributed over one lakh batteries throughout the country, and the response was quite encouraging. With our best-in-class technology and aftersales service, we are confident that we shall be garnering a substantial marketshare in the automotive battery segment in the next few years. We would like to position ourselves as the third major player of the country (in the aftermarket).”
Asked about the product’s attributes, Mr. Kotnala said: “The product, backed by a strong in-house R&D, is in line with Su-Kam’s efforts to design customised solutions for specific niche market needs. Equipped with the All Weather Technology (AWT) technology, our range of automotive batteries has been designed to ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly despite rough terrains or extreme weather conditions. The new automotive batteries are designed to perform in temperatures ranging from -18ºC to +55ºC with their AWT that ensures their durability and longevity in excessive temperatures. Moreover, this technology ensures seamless performance for the vehicle in all terrains and weather conditions across the length and breadth of the country. Therefore, the Automate ensures superior performance even in the most demanding conditions and is sure to deliver superior power throughout its entire life span, thus making it the right choice for every vehicle owner.”
Referring to CV segment batteries, he said: “During September last year, we launched the ‘Automate’ batteries for LCV, MCV, HCV and tractor segments. The response has been pretty good. But the challenges are the unorganised market and the roadside mechanics. So it needs a lot of catching up to do vis-à-vis the car segment.”
Su-Kam Power Systems is an India-based power solutions provider with its presence in more than 70 countries. The company provides power back-up solutions for both domestic and industrial markets, with its focus on eco-friendly, inexhaustible energy solutions like solar power. Some of the major products include inverters, home UPS, online UPS, line interactive UPS, generators, solar range, batteries, battery chargers and battery equalizers. As far as its automotive division is concerned, the products are rolled out at Baddi, which has an annual capacity of over one million units.