Hyundai Motor Partners with TVS to Enhance Last-Mile Mobility Solutions in India
Team Finance Saathi
18/Jan/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- Hyundai Motor and TVS Motor are exploring the development of electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers for India’s last-mile mobility market.
- The collaboration aims to enhance urban mobility by focusing on sustainable, customer-centric solutions for India’s unique transportation needs.
- Hyundai showcases innovative EV concepts at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, emphasizing safety, ergonomics, and adaptability for India’s infrastructure.
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its vision to reshape last-mile mobility solutions in India by exploring a potential partnership with TVS Motor Company. This collaboration, which was announced during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, seeks to revolutionize urban mobility in India through advanced electric vehicles (EVs). The two companies are discussing the development of electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers specifically designed to address the growing demand for sustainable and efficient mobility in Indian cities.
The partnership between Hyundai Motor and TVS Motor is still in the exploratory phase, and no binding agreements have been finalized. However, Hyundai aims to leverage its expertise in design, engineering, and technology, while TVS Motor will focus on the manufacturing and marketing aspects of the vehicles. This collaboration is set to contribute significantly to India's mobility market and improve last-mile connectivity across the country.
The concept models of these vehicles, unveiled at the expo, demonstrate Hyundai’s dedication to its vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, focusing on creating sustainable and adaptable mobility solutions. Hyundai’s commitment to addressing India’s unique transportation challenges is evident in the designs, which prioritize convenience, sustainability, and user-centric features.
Electric Three-Wheeler Concept: The concept vehicle reimagines India’s iconic motor rickshaw. Designed to be versatile and eco-friendly, this electric three-wheeler aims to serve as both a people mover and an efficient logistics solution. It features a foldable seat for wheelchair users, offering greater accessibility and inclusivity. The design focuses on enhanced safety, with a unique angled windshield for superior visibility and collision protection.
The Electric Three-Wheeler Concept is also designed to be highly practical for India’s monsoon season, featuring a height-adjustable body that allows it to navigate waterlogged streets easily. The vehicle's compact size and manoeuvrability make it ideal for narrow streets, while the extended wheelbase and large tires ensure comfort on rough terrain.
Hyundai’s design approach also emphasizes the use of local materials and sustainable practices. For example, the Aakaashi Blue color symbolizes India’s vast sky and ocean, while the heat-reducing gloss black paint on the roof helps to lower interior heat during hot weather. This attention to the local climate and infrastructure underscores Hyundai’s commitment to designing vehicles that are specifically tailored to Indian conditions.
Electric Micro Four-Wheeler Concept: While the three-wheeler concept is already under review for potential production, the four-wheeler concept is still in the developmental phase. Hyundai and TVS are evaluating the global potential for the micro four-wheeler, which is intended to enhance urban mobility while offering a modular approach to manufacturing.
The Micro Mobility Concept vehicles feature innovative designs that focus on user comfort, including adaptable storage solutions, ergonomic seating, and an intuitive information display. These features aim to make daily commutes, last-mile deliveries, and group transport more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.
TVS Motor's Role: According to Sharad Mishra, President of Group Strategy at TVS Motor, the company is excited about the partnership with Hyundai Motor. TVS will leverage its deep understanding of the Indian market to ensure the manufacturing and marketing of these next-generation micro-mobility solutions meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. The goal is to redefine last-mile connectivity and contribute to India’s sustainable mobility future.
Hyundai’s exploration of this partnership aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. The company continues to invest in electric vehicle technology and advanced mobility solutions, such as hydrogen fuel cells and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as part of its vision to become a leading smart mobility solutions provider.
Conclusion: Hyundai Motor’s collaboration with TVS Motor marks a significant step in the evolution of urban mobility in India. Through this partnership, both companies hope to redefine the future of transportation, offering eco-friendly, innovative, and user-centric solutions for India's dynamic infrastructure. The success of these projects could pave the way for other collaborations and innovations aimed at addressing India's unique mobility challenges.