Mohammed Hikmet: Taking autonomous vehicles to the world!
Pakuranga, an eastern suburb in Auckland, is probably not the first place you’d expect to find a disruptive technology business. This is, however, exactly where you find HMI Technology’s bustling head office. HMI’s autonomous vehicle Ohmio is designed in NZ, manufactured in China, and exported to a range of international markets.
In this podcast, you will hear HMI’s founder and Executive Chairman Mohammed Hikmet describe the challenges and opportunities presented by autonomous vehicles. Mohammed explains HMI’s longstanding connection to China, including his experience initially owning a factory which manufactures dynamic electronic signs, to now constructing a new 8,000 sqm custom facility to produce autonomous vehicles. Mohammed also sets out the environment needed to enable him to grow his business internationally, describes how his team works across markets, and articulates the advantages of being a New Zealand owned business.
Timestamps
| 01:06 | What led HMI to start manufacturing autonomous vehicles? |
| 02:31 | Unique features of autonomous vehicles |
| 06:02 | Personalising your journey with autonomous vehicles |
| 08:52 | Why HMI started manufacturing in China |
| 11:52 | HMI’s approach to IP protection |
| 14:37 | Future markets for autonomous vehicles |
| 15:40 | The platform and ecosystem needed for autonomous vehicles |
| 17:34 | HMI’s ‘one team’ approach to design, R&D and manufacturing |
| 21:34 | China’s ecosystem for the development of autonomous vehicles |
| 22:57 | Advantages of being a New Zealand owned business |
| 26:12 | Manufacturing in China |
| 28:37 | Mohammed’s advice for Kiwi entrepreneurs |
References
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