8
MiMfg Magazine
October 2017
Key
Conversations
A
Q
&
Interview with Mahindra’s Richard P. Haas
Q: Why is innovation such an important
people who are always suggesting better
ways of working. Look for people who
are always close to the action. Look for
people that others trust implicitly; a high
standard of integrity and a respected moral
code are key traits of a successful leader.
This is where you start. The rest
comes if you pick the right people for
the right reasons.
part of the growth strategy for
many manufacturers in 2017?
Haas: In the Automotive Industry, the
basic landscape is changing very rapidly,
with driverless/autonomous technologies,
shared use models, the growth of Electric
Vehicles and the supporting infrastructure
about to “rock” our world — which
hasn’t changed dramatically since the
post-war period. For the next 50 years,
the major shifts will result in many
industry sub-segments disappearing
entirely, while new industry sub-segments
will appear to replace them (think horse
carriages versus cars and what is needed
to manufacture and support their daily
use). Infrastructure needs will be very
different and companies that can reinvent
themselves through innovation will survive,
while others will fall by the wayside.
Q: How can the development of
strong community connections
benefit a manufacturer?
Haas: Being involved in our local
communities is a core tenet of Mahindra’s
“Rise” philosophy. As Mahindra operates
locations worldwide, we find meaningful
ways to give back so our business becomes
embedded in the community and the
local community is able to “Rise” as well.
In the case of Mahindra Automotive
North America, we have worked for
the past three years to give back to the
community through our urban farming
grant program. These are “boots on
the ground” operations and we are
there with them; helping with farm
equipment and cash grants as well as
working directly with many of our
Urban Farm partners on their land.
It’s been a great effort, and our team
members love to get out and get dirty
while we work with organizations that
help their community reinvent itself.
Q: What is the most exciting thing for
you when thinking a