Anand Mahindra shares India's 'humble auto' story that inspired 'aeroplane-like' UDO electric autorickshaw

Anand Mahindra has shared his thoughts on the evolution of India’s auto-rickshaw while introducing a new electric three-wheeler designed to modernise urban mobility.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Mahindra described the auto as a long-standing and visible part of daily transport across the country, but noted that its design has remained largely unchanged over the years.



“The humble auto has been one of the most common elements of India’s transport ecosystem for decades. They are everywhere,” he wrote.

Why the design of autos needed an upgrade

Mahindra observed that while three-wheelers have been reliable workhorses, they often lack visual appeal and tend to blend into crowded streets due to repetitive designs and noisy engines.

“Yet, for too long, they have been mostly noisy and their designs so static that they almost commoditise the look and feel of our urban roads,” he said.

He added that he often wondered why the vehicles could not look more contemporary or even futuristic, similar to compact city shuttles seen in science-fiction illustrations.

The case for electric three-wheelers in modern cities

According to Mahindra, combining a modern design with a quiet electric powertrain could improve both functionality and perception.

“I’ve always believed that a three-wheeler with contemporary design and a quiet electric powertrain could be a global success, even in the West, as a sleek city-centre shuttle,” he noted.

Looking back at Mahindra’s early electric experiment

Mahindra also recalled the company’s earlier attempt at electric mobility with the BIJLEE, an electric three-wheeler launched in 1999.

He said the project, inspired by one of the company’s engineers, was ahead of its time and struggled because the broader ecosystem, including charging infrastructure and market readiness, was still developing.

“While the BIJLEE didn’t endure because the ecosystem wasn’t ready, the dream of a modern, dignified three-wheeler never died,” he stated.

Introducing the Mahindra UDO electric three-wheeler

The company has now introduced the Mahindra UDO, a new electric three-wheeler that aims to bring updated styling and improved efficiency to the segment.

Mahindra credited designer Bose Pratap for the vehicle’s development, describing the design as practical and progressive.

“You’ve created a design that is sleek, aerodynamic and evolutionary. It enhances the dignity of the ‘pilots’ without alienating them through over-disruption,” he wrote.

He also acknowledged the production team for moving the concept into manufacturing.