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Indian automotive history

Shri H. K. Firodia pioneer of Indian automobile industry

A Patriot at Heart: Remembering Shri H. K. Firodia on Republic Day

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Republic Day is a time to reflect on the courage, values, and vision that shaped India. It also reminds us of individuals who carried this spirit forward through their lives. Late Shri H. K. Firodia was one such individual. A visionary industrialist and a proud alumnus of the College of Engineering Pune (Mechanical Engineering, Batch of 1946), he played a key role in India’s automotive journey. At the same time, he remained deeply connected to his love for the nation.

A Personal Moment of Patriotism

As India stood on the threshold of independence, Shri Firodia made a deeply personal decision. He chose to postpone his departure to the United States. This allowed him to witness India become a free nation. The decision reflected more than a change in plans. It showed his emotional bond with his homeland and his strong belief in India’s future.

A Family Rooted in the Freedom Movement

The spirit of patriotism extended throughout the Firodia family. During the freedom movement, Smt. Pankuwar Firodia actively participated in the Nai Talim movement. The movement was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave. It focused on self-reliance and social change through education. Her contribution was later recognized with the Freedom Struggle Medal. This honor acknowledged her role in strengthening the foundations of independent India.

Pioneer of the Indian Three-Wheeler Industry

Shri H. K. Firodia carried these values into his professional life. He became widely known as the pioneer of the Indian three-wheeler industry. Through Kinetic Engineering and his association with Force Motors, he introduced mobility solutions that transformed transportation. These innovations supported livelihoods and connected communities across the country. He strongly believed in indigenous innovation. For him, true independence meant building technological capabilities within India.

A Legacy of Nation Building

Often referred to as the “Doyen of the Indian Automobile Industry,” Shri Firodia believed that:

“The growth of an industry is measured by the progress of the society it serves.”

This Republic Day, we remember Shri H. K. Firodia not only as an industry leader. We remember him as a nation builder. His life reflected the spirit of India—resilient, forward-looking, and deeply committed to inclusive progress.

Padmashri Dr. Arun Firodia with Kinetic Honda factory workers in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh

Unity in Motion: The Kinetic Story of Collective Vision and Execution

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Introduction

In the heart of Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh—birthplace of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar—stood a facility that changed Indian industry. The Kinetic factory was not just a production unit; it was a symbol of unity, innovation, and industrial harmony.

A Factory Built on Ideals

In the industrial heartland of Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born, stood a symbol of innovation—The Kinetic Honda factory. More than a production site, it represented unity, equality, and purposeful progress.

Leadership by Example

Every employee at the factory, from technicians to the chairman, Padmashri Dr. Arun Firodia, wore the same uniform.
This wasn’t for show. It made a bold statement: every job is equally important. From the boardroom to the assembly line, everyone shared the same sense of dignity and purpose.

Breaking Barriers with Collaboration

Kinetic introduced a “just-in-time” supply model, ahead of its time.
Rather than treat vendors as outsiders, the company invited them to set up units next to the factory. This proximity encouraged real-time collaboration, reducing delays and boosting efficiency.

A Hand-Holding Approach to Vendor Success

Unlike typical vendor models, Kinetic took an active role in developing suppliers:

  • Shared factory layout blueprints

  • Provided machinery guidance

  • Trained vendor operators within the factory

Many vendors began their journey inside the main facility. They moved out only when they met Kinetic’s strict standards for quality and output.
This rare level of support fostered deep trust and lasting growth.

Massive Public Trust and IPO Success

The impact of this inclusive business philosophy became clear during the company’s public offering:

  • 165x oversubscribed by the general public

  • 20x oversubscribed by NRIs

It wasn’t just a financial win. It was a validation of a business rooted in values.

A Star-Studded Debut

The first Kinetic scooter was launched with great fanfare. Legendary actor Dilip Kumar, then the Sheriff of Bombay, attended the event.
It wasn’t just a product launch—it marked the beginning of a movement in Indian mobility.

A Lesson in Purpose-Driven Industry

Today’s industries often focus only on speed and competition. But the Kinetic story is a timeless reminder that collaboration, dignity, and shared success are powerful drivers of progress.
When unity fuels execution, industry becomes a force for collective upliftment.