Are you passionate about sustainability and social responsibility?

As consultant, has come across many who share this thought but few strive to achieve it and create a brand story.

My post is today about a company that is creating a positive impact not only in word but with product and action , the path to it was sown by its passionate founder.

Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is a leading outdoor clothing and gear brand that is committed to sustainability, quality, and performance. From organic cotton and hemp fabrics to initiatives like the Footprint Chronicles and Worn Wear program, Patagonia is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

But Patagonia’s commitment to social responsibility doesn’t end there. Through their 1% for the Planet program, Patagonia donates 1% of their sales to environmental organizations, and they are constantly working to improve worker rights and animal welfare in their supply chain.

Chouinard started his business career by making climbing equipment. In the 1950s and 1960s, he and a friend began forging and selling their own climbing gear, including pitons, carabiners, and ropes. In the early 1970s, Chouinard began to expand his business by importing clothing from Scotland and selling it to climbers in the United States. This was the beginning of Patagonia.

Chouinard was passionate about protecting the environment and saw his business as a way to make a positive impact. He was an early adopter of organic cotton and hemp fabrics, and worked to reduce the environmental impact of his company’s operations.

In the early days of Patagonia, Chouinard built the brand by focusing on quality, durability, and performance. He believed that the best way to build a loyal customer base was to provide products that would last for years and perform well in tough outdoor conditions. Patagonia’s first product was a rugby shirt made from organic cotton that became a popular choice for climbers and hikers.

Chouinard started to build the Patagonia brand by focusing on environmental and social responsibility. He was one of the first business leaders to publicly address the issue of climate change, and he encouraged his customers to reduce their environmental impact by repairing and reusing their Patagonia products.

Today, Patagonia is a leading outdoor clothing and gear brand, known for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and performance. Yvon Chouinard’s early vision and dedication to environmental and social responsibility laid the foundation for the company’s success and enduring brand appeal.

    Why Do I Need To Use Financial ?

    The move by OLA electric assumes significance, especially with their entry to two wheeler segment and strategy to “own” the system like tesla.

    Positives.
    1. Two-wheelers account for more than 75% of the 250 million vehicles registered in India, representing the second largest market globally for two-wheelers, second only to China (Forbes, 2019).

    2. It is of high priority for both national and state governments in India, to support the transition to electric vehicles. Through the national FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles) schemes, and state-level equivalents, we are trying to address it.

    3. Product Design and innovations – The features, app interface and navigation, battery Pack, more boot.

    4. Super cool ads and communication – Yes color is good. The Early booking suspense at a throw away amount.

    5. Understanding that “ecosystem” of Charging stations is key.

    How it can go wrong(clues)?

    1. The hyper charging network won’t be available to other electric vehicle players and only the customers of Ola Electric.

    2. From my market entry strategist perspective, they made the pitch at right time before the move from established players. The ride aggregator has gone forward and became “automobile manufacturer”. OLA expects that brand recognition and connection will create the trust.

    3. The global mega factory with 2 million output, 1 lakh Hypercharging stations in 400 cities looks good for tall claims. (it just reminds me of NANO). The first target is just 5000 centre’s.

    4. Product appeals to last mile connectivity needed city dwelling techno savvy Youth(or female?).

    5. Battery pack design is cool – Economics of charging? competition is 1.2- 2.2 Rs/litre. It has three swappable battery packs measuring 1.155kWh each.

    6. Speed and maneuverability?

    7. Serviceexcellence and network?

    and finally after all the hype, it booked just 1 lakh+ @499. Is it enough for a 2 million factory? Read More