Skyworth Auto lays the groundwork to launch EVs in India

Chinese automaker Skyworth Auto has started preparing for its entry into the Indian EV market. The company has appointed Hyderabad-based Kaly Emotors Pvt. Ltd. as its local partner.

Kaly emotors skyworth auto plant visit — Image: Skyworth

In a recent media announcement, Skyworth Auto revealed that it signed a framework cooperation agreement with Kaly Emotors on 27 November. The Hyderabad-based partner will assist with planning the launch of a new energy passenger model, along with its localisation, technical adaptation and market development.

Skyworth did not specifically state the type of new energy vehicle, but demand in India is almost entirely concentrated on BEVs, so that could be its sole focus. The company has entered many international markets with the Skyworth EV6 and appears to be considering the same electric mid-sized SUV as its first model for India.

On 8 December, at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, Kaly Emotors showcased the Skyworth EV6 and gave Telangana’s Chief Minister, Anumula Revanth Reddy, a short test drive in the SUV. Skyworth Auto said that Kaly Emotors has a US$100 million (€85 million) investment plan and will discuss setting up an assembly plant for completely knocked-down (CKD) kits. These developments indicate that the Indian partner is eyeing a production site in Telangana.

Kaly Emotors covered all the badges on the Skyworth EV6 at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, which suggests it could be planning its own brand and model name. With Skyworth Auto already offering rebranded and renamed versions under licence in Southeast Asia, North America and Europe, it might be open to the same strategy in India.

Public announcements by the Telangana government referred to the Skyworth EV6 as an electric car from Olectra Greentech Ltd., a subsidiary of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL). Mahesh Babu, the Managing Director of the electric bus manufacturer, was present in the car during the brief test ride.

The news sparked a sharp rise in Olectra Greentech Ltd.’s share price. The company subsequently issued a statement saying it was not directly involved in the car project, although one of its sister companies is. The link between MEIL, Kaly Emotors and Skyworth Auto remains unclear.

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