Scorpion Automotive, a leading supplier and manufacturer of vehicle security alarm and tracking systems with RF Technology for motor cycles, passenger cars and both light and heavy commercial vehicles, was started in the UK in 1973. The company is one among the global leaders to develop RF remote controls for remote locking of vehicles.
Talking to MOTORINDIA in an exclusive interview, Mr. Mark Downing, Managing Director, Scorpion Automotive, says: “During the 70s & 80s, Scorpion was focusing only on alarm systems, supplying to vehicle manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz and Toyota. I bought the business in 2004 and have been the custodian for the Scorpion Brand for the last 12 years. I realise that what we need at present is injection of capital and energy to develop and expand the business further. We did not want to stop with vehicle alarms systems and wanted to get into automotive electronics. We understood that telematics and tracking would be the future of our business.”
With the global market for vehicle alarm and tracking systems growing at a rapid pace, there is rising competition in the field, with those players offering reliable and robust products coming out on top. Among the successful brands in the segment is Scorpion which works with leading auto makers like Subaru, Toyota, Triumph Motorcycles, DAF Trucks, Leyland Trucks, Motorrod, Aston Martin and Iveco at the OE level. Scorpion, a specialist in GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, RF and several other technologies, has been faring very well in different global markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Americas, India and Africa.
“Having served the industry for a number of years, we understand the criminal mind quite well. We work closely with the police in tracing out stolen vehicles and offer 24×7 monitoring for our customers. We also create software for geo-fences and can trigger an alert through SMS or e-mail if anyone enters or exits a geo-fence without authorization. For cars and trucks, we can trigger alerts when the battery is disconnected or when the vehicle is moving without ignition. Our devices can monitor the fuel-cap opening and unusual reduction in fuel level. In the next 12 to 18 months we will be coming up with ideas on saving fuel. In four-wheelers we also monitor driving style, harsh braking, over-speeding, etc.
Asia through India
India being one of the fastest-growing auto markets in the world at the moment, Scorpion has chosen Transport Solutions India (TSI), a prominent provider of a range of products and transport solutions in the Indian market, as its partner for the region.
It may be noted here that TSI has had its reputation for forging dominant partnerships with global heavyweights with the aim of bringing the best of global technology and solutions to the Indian market. Apart from its own capabilities in the manufacture of trailers, tippers and other commercial vehicle applications, TSI has helped three global brands, namely, Lohr, HLM and Mosolf, to establish presence in the Indian market. Going by its track record, Scorpion could very well be the fourth brand that TSI successfully brings to India.
Outlining Scorpion’s plans for the Indian market, he states: “In India, we have entered into a JV agreement with TSI which is considered a very good and important move for us. The partnership is working well, and we are looking to expand our presence in the field of telematics and tracking. India is a demanding market, and it has taken us nearly four years to assess the demands in the region. In terms of the cost-competitiveness of the market and its demands for quick response, we think that if we can meet the demands here, we can then sell our products anywhere in the world.”
In India, Scorpion has been offering its solutions in the aftermarket for around two years for two- and four-wheelers. The solution is being provided to fleet owners who are in the retail industry. It has established a strong network of 57 dealers across the country and is fast expanding its presence, while talks are on with OEMs for direct supplies.
Given the enormous potential for its products in India, Scorpion plans to start local manufacturing in the near future, with TSI support.
Commenting on the same, Mr. Jacob Thariyan, Director – India, Scorpion Automotive, says: “We are definitely looking to make in India and are looking at setting up a local facility in association with TSI. We might initially start with SKDs and subsequently shift to more local content without compromising on quality. While Indian workers are very skilled at programming, testing and configuring products suitable to the domestic market, we also see a more marked shift to manufacturing in India than in the UK. At some point of time in future, our complete product will be made in India, and we are excited to be working with TSI.”
TSI is represented on the Board of Scorpion Automotive by Mr. Manoj Varghese.
Unlike many other auto component suppliers, Scorpion does not plan to just make in India for India, but take its India-made products to the neighbouring markets as well.
Mr. Thariyan adds: “We plan to take India as a hub for entering the South-East Asian market as well and are considering supply to the entire Asian region from India. Given the size of the Indian market and its acceptance of advanced technology, we are confident of emerging successful in India and would use our expertise to enter the surrounding markets as well. In the next 10 to 20 years, anyone who considers himself a global player in the automotive market ought to have his presence in India, and that’s our long-term strategy.”