As the world continues to shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction. India, with its ambitious target to become a fully electric nation by 2030, is witnessing a surge in the demand for electric two-wheelers. One such player that has captured the imagination of the Indian market is Ather Energy, with its sleek and high-performance electric scooters.
## Introduction to Ather Energy
Founded in 2011 by Manoj Rai and Swapnil Jain, Ather Energy is an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer based out of Bengaluru. The company is known for its premium electric scooters, which are designed and manufactured in India. Ather Energy has received funding from prestigious investors like Tiger Global, Hero MotoCorp, and Amazon.
## The Ather Scooter Range
Ather currently offers two models in the Indian market: the Ather 450 and the Ather 350. Both scooters come with a range of features that set them apart from traditional ICE scooters, including a touchscreen dashboard, GPS navigation, and smartphone connectivity.
## The Franchise Model
Ather Energy has adopted a franchised distribution network to expand its reach across the country. This model allows interested individuals to own an Ather dealership and be a part of the growing EV revolution in India. As of now, Ather Energy is looking for franchise partners in select cities across India.
## Franchise Cost
The franchise cost for an Ather Energy dealership can vary depending on several factors, including location, infrastructure requirements, and the model of the scooter being dealt. However, as per industry estimates, the initial investment required to set up an Ather Energy dealership ranges from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
### Key Components of Franchise Cost
– **Inventory Cost**: This includes the cost of purchasing the scooters that will be sold at the dealership. Ather Energy requires dealers to maintain a minimum inventory level to ensure a seamless buying experience for customers.
– **Shop and Showroom**: Ather Energy expects its dealers to have a well-designed showroom that adheres to the company’s branding guidelines. The size of the showroom and the location play a crucial role in the initial investment.
– **Service Center**: Ather Energy emphasizes the importance of after-sales service. Therefore, franchisees are expected to set up a service center that is equipped with the necessary tools and spare parts.
– **Employee Training**: Ather Energy provides comprehensive training to dealership employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide a quality customer experience.
– **Marketing and Advertising**: Franchisees are responsible for marketing and advertising their dealership to generate awareness and drive sales. Ather Energy provides support in terms of marketing collaterals but expects dealers to invest in local marketing activities.
### Financial Incentives and Support
Ather Energy offers various financial incentives and support systems to help franchisees establish and run their dealership successfully. These may include:
– **Financing Options**: Ather Energy may assist franchisees in arranging the necessary financing, although the exact availability and terms of these options may vary.
– **Operational Support**: The company provides ongoing support to its dealerships, including training programs, marketing assistance, and access to spare parts and service tools.
– **Profit Margins**: Ather Energy offers attractive profit margins to its dealerships, making it a potentially lucrative opportunity.
## Market Potential and Future Growth
The electric two-wheeler market in India is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years, driven by government incentives, improving infrastructure, and increasing consumer awareness. Ather Energy, with its premium offerings, is well-positioned to benefit from this growth.
## Conclusion
The Ather Energy franchise opportunity presents a promising investment for individuals looking to enter the EV space in India. With the right financial backing, a strong location, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, Ather Energy dealerships can be a successful venture in the years to come.
