N. P. Gupta : An Innovative Leader Driving Innovation & Sustainability In The Automotive Sector
N. P. Gupta
CEO
His extensive background includes business process mapping, change management, lean manufacturing, cost control, and strategic business development. Under his leadership, HMC HIVE is pioneering advancements where innovation and sustainability converge. His academic foundation from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, and the Institution of Engineers, India, further underscores his capability to steer HMC HIVE towards a leading position in the evolving EV market. Let’s hear more from him.
Could you please tell us about the major milestones in your professional journey and the lessons you've learned from these experiences?
I've had the privilege of serving in the automotive industry for nearly 25 years. My leadership journey truly began in 2007 when I joined Hero Motors Company, although I initially started my career in 2000 with Motherson Sumi. At Hero Motors, I was responsible for a new business initiative, specifically setting up a gear manufacturing unit. During my 14-year tenure there, we transformed the business from losses to profits through lean manufacturing techniques, and implemented total employee involvement initiatives. We also secured contracts from major companies like BMW, Harley Davidson, and Ducati, contributing to significant business growth. From 2020 to 2023, I worked with Stellantis as the Director of Operations for their powertrain plant near Bangalore. This role involved transforming a newly established powertrain plant. When we began, our plant ranked 28th among the 42 powertrain plants worldwide within Stellantis. In just two years, we climbed to the number one position, maintaining that ranking from 2022 to 2023.
In my new role at HIVE, I've rejoined the HMC Group at the EV arm known as HMC HIVE. This role involves leading a startup-like transformation. Over the past six to seven months, we have reshaped the company's image, secured a $36 million supply contract from the Belgian Cylcing Factory (BCF), and are on the brink of finalizing a significant joint venture with a €3 billion group. Additionally, we are negotiating a business partnership with a prominent European bicycle company.
These milestones underscore the importance of leadership and team building. None of these achievements would have been possible without a dedicated team. This journey has taught me the critical role of cohesive teamwork in driving business success.
Can you share some of the main teachings you pass on to your team?
I emphasize several core lessons to my team. Firstly, being customer-centric is crucial as customer preferences are constantly changing. Continuous improvement in quality is also vital, requiring us to set high standards and consistently enhance them through management controls that optimize variations and breakthroughs to tighten control limits. Agility and innovation are imperative in our rapidly evolving business environment, with a significant focus on sustainability due to regulatory pressures and customer demands, especially in markets like Europe, the UK, and the US.
We prioritize sustainable processes and products, actively pursuing ESG initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, focus, discipline, and consistency are key to success. Finally, I stress the importance of choosing the right path over the easy one. While the easy path may offer immediate comfort, it often leads to future difficulties. These principles create a strong, focused, and disciplined team capable of achieving excellence and adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
How do you attract the right kind of market leaders to contribute to your endeavor?
We attract market leaders by fostering a robust organizational culture and implementing best practices, despite being a startup. Our recent launch of the Himalaya 2026 project emphasizes four core
These milestones underscore the importance of leadership and team building. None of these achievements would have been possible without a dedicated team. This journey has taught me the critical role of cohesive teamwork in driving business success.
With over 24 years of experience in the automotive industry, Gupta is a top management profes- sional renowned for his expertise in driving business operations & imple- menting effective management controls
Can you share some of the main teachings you pass on to your team?
I emphasize several core lessons to my team. Firstly, being customer-centric is crucial as customer preferences are constantly changing. Continuous improvement in quality is also vital, requiring us to set high standards and consistently enhance them through management controls that optimize variations and breakthroughs to tighten control limits. Agility and innovation are imperative in our rapidly evolving business environment, with a significant focus on sustainability due to regulatory pressures and customer demands, especially in markets like Europe, the UK, and the US.
We prioritize sustainable processes and products, actively pursuing ESG initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, focus, discipline, and consistency are key to success. Finally, I stress the importance of choosing the right path over the easy one. While the easy path may offer immediate comfort, it often leads to future difficulties. These principles create a strong, focused, and disciplined team capable of achieving excellence and adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
How do you attract the right kind of market leaders to contribute to your endeavor?
We attract market leaders by fostering a robust organizational culture and implementing best practices, despite being a startup. Our recent launch of the Himalaya 2026 project emphasizes four core
values: prioritizing safety, achieving quality benchmarks, optimizing cost efficiency, and integrating sustainable practices. These initiatives, designed with a three-year vision, demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation in the competitive last-mile mobility sector. We strive to be the best workplace, deliver European quality at Indian costs, and continuously integrate green technologies into our R&D. These efforts not only differentiate us in the market but also resonate with leaders who share our vision and values.
What kind of anticipation do you have for the market going forward and what develop-ments and opportunities do you foresee?
There are numerous opportunities in the last-mile mobility sector. In India, we are focusing on the e-bike segment, aiming to become the market leader by offering cost-effective solutions. We also manufacture cargo and passenger e-bikes for regions like Africa, Asia, Europe, and the UK, with plans to expand our customer base in Europe.
In Europe and the UK, we target the e-bike segment and last-mile mobility for fleets, such as delivery vehicles for companies like Amazon. These markets are expanding rapidly, and we are investing in R&D to meet their demands.
In India, we have diversified our portfolio to include three-wheelers, targeting the growing L5 segment with plans to enter the L7 segment. The market's rapid expansion indicates a promising future for these initiatives.
What is your favorite or most memorable awards and recognitions in your professional journey?
The transformation of the Hero Motors transmission plant is a significant achievement that I will always cherish. This accomplishment is a key reason why I am back to this group. Another memorable milestone is at Stellantis, where we elevated the powertrain plant from the 28th to the number one rank, maintaining this position from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, securing a $36 million supply contract with a Belgian cycle factory in a short span is a major achievement. However, I credit my team for these successes, as none of this would have been possible without their efforts.
N.P. Gupta, CEO, HMC HIVE - A Hero Motors Company
N. P. Gupta is a highly skilled and accomplished top management professional with a rich background spanning over 24 years in the automotive sector. His expertise includes driving business operations, implementing effective management controls, fostering innovation, and championing sustainability initiatives, making him a key figure in shaping the future of the industry.
What kind of anticipation do you have for the market going forward and what develop-ments and opportunities do you foresee?
There are numerous opportunities in the last-mile mobility sector. In India, we are focusing on the e-bike segment, aiming to become the market leader by offering cost-effective solutions. We also manufacture cargo and passenger e-bikes for regions like Africa, Asia, Europe, and the UK, with plans to expand our customer base in Europe.
In Europe and the UK, we target the e-bike segment and last-mile mobility for fleets, such as delivery vehicles for companies like Amazon. These markets are expanding rapidly, and we are investing in R&D to meet their demands.
In India, we have diversified our portfolio to include three-wheelers, targeting the growing L5 segment with plans to enter the L7 segment. The market's rapid expansion indicates a promising future for these initiatives.
What is your favorite or most memorable awards and recognitions in your professional journey?
The transformation of the Hero Motors transmission plant is a significant achievement that I will always cherish. This accomplishment is a key reason why I am back to this group. Another memorable milestone is at Stellantis, where we elevated the powertrain plant from the 28th to the number one rank, maintaining this position from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, securing a $36 million supply contract with a Belgian cycle factory in a short span is a major achievement. However, I credit my team for these successes, as none of this would have been possible without their efforts.
N.P. Gupta, CEO, HMC HIVE - A Hero Motors Company
N. P. Gupta is a highly skilled and accomplished top management professional with a rich background spanning over 24 years in the automotive sector. His expertise includes driving business operations, implementing effective management controls, fostering innovation, and championing sustainability initiatives, making him a key figure in shaping the future of the industry.