Ashok Leyland-owned UK subsidiary Optare Group has been renamed as Switch Mobility as part of its drive towards electrification and new mobility services. Switch will build on the success of Optare in the UK, where it is a leading player in electric buses segment with more than 150 of them currently operating successfully in its home market. 

Unveiling the new logo and name, Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman of Ashok Leyland said, “Optare is adopting a new identity and logo as Switch, which signals our strategic ambitions in electric and green mobility. Towards this, Ashok Leyland is examining various options to bring the entire EV initiatives of Ashok Leyland under Switch Mobility."

He further explained that, "This strategy reflects the clear growth opportunities in the global LCV and bus EV market, which is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of more than 25 percent and to be worth in the region of $50 billion (Rs 370,050 crore) by 2030. To capture part of that market, we are considering EV initiatives through Switch that could include financial participation and strategic tie-ups."

Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland added, “With our proposed new structure, Switch will be positioned to become the potential global arm of Ashok Leyland focused on electric vehicles and green mobility solutions. This proposed step will enable Ashok Leyland to focus on the development of new electric vehicle platforms including next-generation buses, PODs and e-LCVs and swiftly scale up the EV business.”

Dr. Andrew C Palmer, chairman, Optare said, “The reorganisation of the Optare group both allows us to continue to serve customers with the portfolio of products we have today, whilst positioning Switch Mobility at the forefront of the commercial EV space, which should benefit the entire organisation.”

Optare, was recently named OEM of the Year (Bus/Commercial Vehicle) at the prestigious 2020 EVIEs Awards. Following the successful delivery of 30 electric double-decker buses to Metroline in London, the company is currently fulfilling orders for operators including Tower Transit, London and First York. This change will create a foundation for the expansion of Switch’s operations in Europe and growth in India and other parts of the world, the company said. 

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