As the executive vice president, what does a typical day look like for you at the office?
At Aiways, as a dynamic startup, every day is a fresh adventure and a distinct departure from the typical 9-to-6 in the office after having had meetings with China from sometimes 4.30 in the morning from the home office. There’s no ‘business as usual’ here; it’s always ‘business unusual.’
After the calls, my day starts with a refreshing bike ride from the city centre to our office. Cycling through the urban bustle, I fuel up on the vibrancy of the city, which charges me up for the day.
I catch up with my assistant over a quick morning briefing as soon as I arrive. This conversation helps set the tone for the day, highlighting the key agenda and priorities.
Being part of a global team, with our HQ based in Shanghai, means my mornings often unfold into early web meetings. Navigating time zones is part of the fun, and these meetings keep me connected with the broader team’s pulse.
The Road to Innovation Is Often Bumpy, But It’s Within These Challenges Where The Best Learning Experiences Lie. Remember, Resilience Is Key
One of my daily rituals is to do a quick round of touchpoints with all departments. These lightning-fast exchanges help me stay abreast of the hot topics, challenges, and breakthroughs across the board. It’s a thrilling snapshot of our collective progress, keeping me plugged into the dynamic energy that drives Aiways.
After this energising start, the rest of the day unfurls into what you might call a ‘regular’ workday. But in a startup like Aiways, there’s always a twist of the unexpected, a dash of the extraordinary. Every day is a chance to reinvent the wheel and push the boundaries of what’s possible. That’s the electrifying rhythm of life at Aiways!
What initiatives have you been a part of in your organisation, given your strong background in the automotive and mobility sectors? How, in your opinion, has that benefited the organisation and its clients?
In the dynamic ecosystem of Aiways, my role as executive vice president has been intensely engaging. I had the opportunity to spearhead our overseas business, venturing into unexplored terrains for our brand.
A critical part of our journey was shaping a novel strategy encompassing sales, markets, and products. As a new player in an established market, we recognised the importance of a fresh approach. This vision transformed how we sell electric vehicles - it’s not just about the cars but the sustainable lifestyle they represent. Our unique sales and marketing strategies have enhanced the buying experience for our customers, distinguishing Aiways in the sector.
Expanding into diverse European markets was a strategic move which required an in-depth understanding of distinct cultures and business environments. This strategy has significantly benefitted Aiways, allowing us to emerge as a global contributor to the future of mobility.
The essence of our work, however, lies in brand building. Stepping into Europe, we were a new brand with an innovative product range, supported by a small but dedicated team. Our collective efforts in navigating challenges have allowed us to build a brand representing advanced technology, sustainability, and customer focus.
These initiatives have played a vital role in solidifying Aiways’ position in the industry and reshaping customer interactions with the mobility sector.
What are some of the most significant challenges in the automotive industry today? How are you seeking to mitigate them?
In the thrilling race of the automotive industry, the track is sprinkled with fascinating yet formidable challenges. We’re playing in a high-stakes game where innovation, sustainability, and customer experience are key drivers.
One major curve in the road is the urgent need to pivot towards sustainability. The world is hungry for greener, cleaner alternatives to traditional fuel sources. Our response at Aiways is to turn this challenge into an opportunity, crafting electric vehicles that don’t compromise performance or style. We’re tackling the sustainability conundrum head-on, blazing a trail for electric mobility.
Technology is in constant flux. From autonomous driving to artificial intelligence, there’s an exciting but demanding quest to stay on the cutting edge. We’re weaving these advancements into the very fabric of Aiways. We aim to deliver tech-forward vehicles that deliver an intuitive, user-friendly, and safety-enhanced driving experience.
Then, there’s the checkered flag of customer expectations. Today’s drivers want more than a means to get from A to B; they crave an immersive, connected, and personalised journey. At Aiways, we’re relentlessly focused on the driver’s seat. We’re reimagining the entire driving experience to be more seamless, exciting, and tailored to the individual.
Navigating these challenges is no joyride, but it’s the kind of ride we signed up for at Aiways. We’re harnessing the winds of change to fuel our mission, crafting vehicles that meet the challenges of today and drive us into the future with flair and purpose.
Is there any novel technology that you anticipate will cause a transformation in the automotive sector in the coming years?
Oh, absolutely! There’s a dazzling array of innovations revving up to redefine the automotive landscape.
For starters, let’s talk about batteries, the beating heart of electric mobility. Sodium batteries are gearing up to stage a revolution. They offer a low-cost, high-safety alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, making electric vehicles more accessible and appealing. But that’s not all. There’s a new player in town: solidstate batteries. With their jaw-dropping energy density, they’re poised to supercharge EV capabilities and drive us into an era of unprecedented range and efficiency.
Then, there’s the sci-fi turned reality world of autonomous driving. Sensor technology is evolving at an incredible pace, acting as the eyes and ears of self-driving vehicles. Each leap in sensor technology brings us closer to a future where cars are not just vehicles but autonomous companions on the road, significantly enhancing safety, efficiency, and convenience.
These technologies are not just shiny new toys; they’re gamechangers set to steer the automotive industry into uncharted territories. At Aiways, we’re excitedly embracing these transformations, integrating them into our vehicles to deliver an extraordinary and sustainable driving experience.
What advice would you give aspiring professionals seeking a career in your sector?
Great question! The automotive industry, especially in the area of electric vehicles, is a dynamic and constantly evolving field, and for those eager to make their mark, I’d have a few pointers.
Firstly, stay curious and eager to learn. The technology and trends in this sector evolve rapidly, so always keep your finger on the pulse of the latest innovations. Embrace the reality of lifelong learning.
Secondly, don’t shy away from challenges. The road to innovation is often bumpy, but it’s within these challenges where the best learning experiences lie. Remember, resilience is key.
Thirdly, cultivate a spirit of collaboration. Complex ecosystems of partnerships mark today’s automotive industry. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures is invaluable.
Lastly, don’t forget to dream big. The biggest advancements in our industry were once considered impossible. So, don’t be afraid to question the status quo and envision bold solutions for the future.
The automotive world needs passionate, creative, and tenacious minds. So, if you’re up for an exciting ride, buckle up and join us on this electrifying journey!
