Businesses face widespread competition and diverse challenges as they strive to expand and establish themselves in the industry. To make a significant impact, it is crucial for a brand to prioritize innovation, contribute to addressing societal issues, and adopt a sustainable approach to thrive in the long run.
However, beyond those aspects, Zac Huang, CEO of HATASU, manufacturer and sole distributor of electronic vehicles (EV) told BusinessMirror that competition is not easy in the business world. He added that developing resilience, continuously learning, and building a strong team are just some of the key factors that helped the HATASU brand grow and develop.
As a startup business, challenges are inevitable, yet, Huang underscored the significance of resilience. It is important to rebound from setbacks, drawing lessons from failures and sustaining a positive perspective, especially during trying periods, and these prove crucial for the company.
“Teamwork is essential for us. Even as a leader, I don’t see my team members working for me but rather alongside me,” Huang said.
‘Being humble and immersing myself in the front lines keeps me grounded and flexible to any changes or challenges that arise. This approach enables me to stay informed and abreast of the current trends and developments in this growing industry,” he added.
Sustainable mobility
AMID mounting concerns about economic issues such as rising oil prices and the environmental impact of climate change, governments and organizations worldwide are actively working to address these challenges.
As a brand specializing in providing efficient and alternative mobility tools, HATASU has seen a gradual increase in the demand for ebikes over the past few years and the growing preference for electric vehicles. This trend is evident as more brands introduce electric vehicles across various categories, ranging from two-wheelers to four-wheelers.
In their product planning and launches, Huang disclosed that the company carefully considered crucial factors that held significance in the market. Under his leadership, Huang aims to make a positive impact on society and the environment. He is passionate about contributing to a greener and cleaner environment through his EVs that are designed to be youthful, fashionable, and practical.
“Our unanimous answer is to provide Filipinos with safe, value-for-money, and sustainable e-vehicles and ebikes. Hence, the birth of HATASU ebike,” he said.
They sought to identify the immediate challenges customers faced and aimed to address those pain points when customers opted for the HATASU ebike.
“The brand also has the responsibility to educate the market aside from promoting/selling our products,” he said.
Meeting market needs
TO MAINTAIN and ensure the success of his leadership, Huang highlighted the importance of valuing opinions and insights from within the organization to deliver products that align with HATASU’s vision of the market’s needs.
“We observe the demand for sustainable and low-cost transportation tools,” he said.
HATASU ebike has its headquarters in the Philippines but is looking to expand in other Southeast Asian countries.
Through a comprehensive 360-degree experience, “we want to make an impact on the society and environment of the countries we set food in,” Huang said, encompassing sustainability initiatives and contributing to the well-being of customers and the community.
Thriving journey
BEING the new player in the local EV market has never stopped the brand from pushing beyond the boundaries of simply selling ebikes, but also created a culture and a movement that supports sustainable and innovative transportation.
Huang shared that beyond the affordability and eco-friendly aspects, he envisioned and aimed to produce quality and safe products and services through an intricate production process that invested in research development to improve performance and design.
While the HATASU manufacturing team is based abroad, Huang pointed out that what sets it apart from the other brands is the involvement of their local team in both the research, development and production. This approach is based on the belief that local teams best understand the demand and road conditions of their specific regions.
“Each product goes through intensive quality checks to ensure that the unit is safe and secure,” Huang remarked.
Regarding sales, he mentioned that the company relies on the confidence placed in their local business partners to broaden their nationwide presence, guaranteeing convenient product acquisition for customers regardless of their location.
Comprehensive efforts spanning from pre-sales to aftersales have enabled HATASU to significantly increase their market share in the Philippines, positioning them as one of the leading ebike brands in the local market.
Strategic approach
HUANG pointed out that the brand is currently releasing more products that fit the needs of the market.
“Our goal, ultimately, is to become the ebike brand of choice here in the Philippines,” he underscored.
Emphasizing inclusivity and recognizing transportation as essential for diverse needs, HATASU, under Huang’s leadership, is poised for continued growth and positive impact in the evolving landscape of sustainable mobility.