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This article is based on an interview between Auto Tech Outlook APAC and Alexander Klose, executive vice president as Aiways discusses about his role in the organization and his views on the technologically advancing automotive industry.
As the Executive Vice President, what does a typical day look like for you at the office? At Aiways, as a dynamic startup, every day is a fresh adventure and a distinct departure from the typical 9 to 6 in the office after having had meetings with China sometimes at 4.30 in the morning from home office. There's no ‘business as usual’ here; it's always ‘business unusual.’ After the calls, my day starts with a refreshing bike ride from the city center to our office. Cycling through the urban bustle, I fuel up on the vibrancy of the city, which charges me up for the day. As soon as I arrive, I catch up with my assistant over a quick morning briefing. This conversation helps set the tone for the day, highlighting the key agenda and priorities. Being part of a global team, with our HQ based in Shanghai, means my mornings often unfold into early web meetings. Navigating time zones is part of the fun, and these meetings keep me connected with the broader team's pulse One of my daily rituals is to do a quick round of touchpoints with all departments. These lightning-fast exchanges help me stay abreast of the hot topics, challenges, and breakthroughs across the board. It's a thrilling snapshot of our collective progress, keeping me plugged into the dynamic energy that drives Aiways After this energizing start, the rest of the day unfurls into what you might call a ‘regular’ workday. But in a startup like Aiways, there's always a twist, a dash of the extraordinary. Every day is a chance to reinvent the wheel and push the boundaries of what's possible. That's the electrifying rhythm of life at Aiways! What are some of the initiatives that you have been a part of in your organisation, given your strong background in the automotive and mobility sectors? How in your opinion has that benefited the organisation and its clients? In the dynamic ecosystem of Aiways, my role as executive vice president has been intensely engaging. I had the opportunity to spearhead our overseas business, venturing into unexplored terrains for our brand. A critical part of our journey was shaping a novel strategy encompassing sales, markets, and products. As a new player in an established market, we recognized the importance of a fresh approach. This vision transformed how we sell electric vehicles- -it's not just about the cars, but the sustainable lifestyle they represent. Our unique sales and marketing strategies have enhanced the buying experience for our customers, distinguishing Aiways in the sector Expanding into diverse European markets was a strategic move, which required in-depth understanding of distinct cultures and business environments. This strategy has significantly benefitted Aiways, allowing us to emerge as a global contributor to the future of mobility. The essence of our work, however, lies in brand building. Stepping into Europe, we were a new brand with an innovative product range, supported by a small but dedicated team. Our collective efforts in navigating challenges have allowed us to build a brand that represents advanced technology, sustainability, and customer focus. These initiatives have played a vital role in solidifying Aiways' position in the industry and reshaping customer interactions with the mobility sector. “Today's automotive industry is marked by complex ecosystems of partnerships. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures is invaluable” What are some of the most significant challenges in the automotive industry today? How are you seeking to mitigate them? In the thrilling race of the automotive industry, the track is sprinkled with fascinating yet formidable challenges. We're playing in a high-stakes game where innovation, sustainability, and customer experience are key drivers. One major curve on the road is the urgent need to pivot towards sustainability. The world is hungry for greener and cleaner alternatives to traditional fuel sources. Our response at Aiways is to turn this challenge into an opportunity, crafting electric vehicles that don't compromise on performance or style. We're tackling the sustainability conundrum head-on, blazing a trail for electric mobility. Technology is in constant flux. From autonomous driving to artificial intelligence, there's an exciting but demanding quest to stay on the cutting edge. We're weaving these advancements into the very fabric of Aiways. Our aim is to deliver techforward vehicles that deliver an intuitive, user-friendly, and safety-enhanced driving experience. Then there's the checkered flag of customer expectations. Today's drivers want more than a means to get from A to B; they crave an immersive, connected, and personalized journey. At Aiways, we're relentlessly focused on the driver's seat. We're reimagining the entire driving experience to be more seamless, exciting, and tailored to the individual. Navigating these challenges is no joyride, but it's the kind of ride we signed up for at Aiways. We're harnessing the winds of change to fuel our mission, crafting vehicles that not only meet the challenges of today but also drive us into the future with flair and purpose.