Prasan Firodia
Managing Director,
Force Motors Ltd

While the automotive manufacturing scenario in India is fairly evolved, very few OEMs have the capability or the inclination to get into the making of rally cars. It is quite a specialised job; one that requires not just the capabilities but also the attitude to go with it.

While the Gurkha Extreme Off-roading Vehicle (EOV) is physically capable of running through really difficult terrain, Prasan Firodia has forayed with it into a new and unexplored territory in terms of automotive manufacturing. And he has done it with both style and substance; the first two positions at the tough Rain Forest Challenge 2014 were bagged by two Force Gurkhas.

Now as he launches the vehicle at pan India level, his vision of catering to the personal vehicles segment acquires a new dimension.

Of course, this in no way takes away the focus from his core business of utility commercial vehicles where he continues to dominate in his selected sectors. Both the Traveller and Trax brands enjoy clear market leadership in their respective segments.

And Prasan Firodia remains equally committed to the aluminium die casting business with Jaya Hind Industries (JHI), the first company where he actually started working at after completing his education. JHI regularly wins the Best Foundry award as well as new business.

Now JHI is even extending its manufacturing footprints across Asia tapping into new markets. It is this dual commitment to quality management and manufacturing excellence that has seen him grow the engine business with Mercedes as well. And that is what makes Prasan Firodia a force to reckon with in this industry. 

(Star List 2015 continues on the next page)