Who knew a humble alphanumeric combo could spark a trademark showdown? On one side, you’ve got IndiGo, India’s first low-cost profitable airline with US$ 1 Billion in profits in FY 2024, strutting its “6E” code like a VIP boarding pass. On the other hand, Mahindra’s new electric baby, the BE 6e, is revving up for an electrifying debut. The clash? That ‘6E’ suffix, which has IndiGo raising eyebrows faster than a takeoff! On one side, we have Mahindra, synonymous with India’s automobile and industrial growth, and giving world class vehicles at affordable prices just like Indigo has connected India and made flying within reach for millions of Indians. Both have been the catalyst for India’s shining story and a collaboration rather than this trade mark fight would have been so much complementing!
IndiGo claims its 6E is synonymous with “effortless flying.” But Mahindra? They’re steering the narrative, saying their BE 6e isn’t just about an ‘E’; it’s about Eco, Electric, and Epic drives—far from the runway vibes of IndiGo. Think of it like a soap opera where one says, “That’s my name!” and the other quips, “You can’t own a number!” It’s the legal equivalent of a tussle over who gets to sit by the window seat of branding.
The courts might play referee, but for now, both brands are riding high. IndiGo’s soaring skies meet Mahindra’s roaring wheels—6E might just become the quirkiest number battle of the decade! Hopefully this drama lands smoothly or stalls in mid-air and does not spoil the party and the stupendous launch for the BE 6e and XEV 9e. Mahindra has launched their born electric cars and it has been applauded by media, consumers and auto enthusiasts loudly and is all set to take India’s EV adoption to a higher level and make the Indian roads look “sexy”. The Mantra is the same: loads of features, futuristic design at price point which just makes you clap. The EV party for India is just getting started now, with the Hyundai Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki EV, and Tata Harrier EV all around the corner. Cars like MG Windsor have made great progress with its per km pricing strategy and Mahindra with its battery lifetime warranty. Thus, the biggest pain point of “what happens when the battery life is over” has been answered. Manufacturers are addressing concerns of the potential EV buyers with very smart and intelligent solutions. The Indian auto industry is getting booster shots to get electrified and the year 2025 will be the turning point!
Another critical booster shot came from a legacy player like Honda which forayed into the Indian electric 2-wheeler industry with the Activa e. Right now, it sounds like a gamble rather than a well-planned assault on its rivals because there are some major catches here. Honda seems to have made a smart move by opting for swappable battery packs for the Activa e but in its first phase, it is only going to be offered in three major cities. For the Activa e to repeat the same glorious history as its ICE counterpart, it will have to tread down on a very rough path and we hope that it comes out on the other end. On that optimistic note, we hope you enjoy the December issue with a hot mug of coffee and winter chills to go by. Happy reading!
