Brands
VinFast names Anurag Saxena deputy CEO to steer India growth
Former Honda executive to drive dealer expansion and EV market push
GURUGRAM: Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has appointed Anurag Saxena as deputy CEO for its India operations, bringing in a seasoned automotive executive as the company prepares to deepen its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing electric mobility markets.
In his new role at VinFast India, Saxena will work closely with the leadership team to accelerate the company’s growth strategy, with a focus on dealer network expansion, market penetration and strengthening the brand’s presence across the country’s evolving EV ecosystem.
Saxena joins the Vietnamese EV manufacturer after a long stint with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., where he spent more than two decades in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, he served as operating officer, overseeing core business functions and shaping strategic planning across the company’s two-wheeler portfolio.
During his tenure, Saxena led more than 135 teams across six divisions, including business development, product strategy, marketing, electrification, network expansion and sales digitisation. He also played a key role in steering Honda’s early EV roadmap in India, including the launch of its first EV concept store in Bengaluru and the rollout of a scalable electric retail network.
Earlier, as regional business head for North India, he drove strong growth across key markets including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab. Under his leadership, the region achieved a 30 per cent rise in volumes over four years, while market share climbed from 21 per cent to 28 per cent.
His career at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. also included leadership positions in central and western India, where he worked on dealer expansion, product planning and sales strategy. Notably, he helped design the ‘Hi-Rise’ dealer management system and introduced a pre-owned vehicle platform that expanded the company’s retail ecosystem.
Saxena began his career in export sales with Cosmo Ferrites Limited, where he handled international markets across the United States and Europe before moving into the automotive sector.
His appointment comes as VinFast accelerates its India plans, betting on the country’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market and growing consumer appetite for sustainable mobility. With Saxena at the wheel, the company appears keen to combine global EV ambition with local market expertise.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
