Caroline Méchaï (Horse): ‘Our competitive advantage lies in our experience, versatility and vision of the future’

Caroline Méchaï, Executive Director of Sales and Business Development at Horse, tells us in this interview what are the keys to the present and future of a company that has fully differentiated itself since its arrival in the sector.

Lea esta entrevista en castellano

Interview published in AutoRevista 2,404

AutoRevista - Horse is now in its second year since the start of its activity as an independent entity. From a business development perspective, what is your assessment of this stage?

Caroline Méchaï.- The first two years of Horse Technologies have been very intense, but also very interesting and revealing. We have shown that it is possible to build a new global benchmark in mobility and propulsion solutions in an ultra-competitive market and at a time of great uncertainty. We were born with the conviction of being a global reference and, step by step, I believe that we are achieving it, convinced that we are the ideal ally for OEMs and, without a doubt, part of the solution to the sector's challenges. 

From a business development perspective, the main achievement has been to consolidate a coherent and ambitious value proposition, aligned with the real needs of the market. We have closed 11 strategic agreements with companies in the automotive sector, but also diversified into other sectors such as bus and heavy duty, maritime and genset, and activated a solid commercial pipeline, while deploying industrial capabilities in 7 countries.

The biggest learning has been to understand that the energy transition does not have a single path, a single pace and a single solution, and therefore we must operate with a global vision, but with local sensitivity.   

AR.- How is Horse positioning itself in the global ecosystem of propulsion suppliers against historical competitors and new emerging players?

C.M.- Horse is, above all, a technology company that researches, develops and manufactures mobility solutions for everyone, regardless of the degree of maturity or economic and technological development of each region, country, locality or citizen, always taking into account the regulatory framework of each territory and, of course, sustainability and commitments to decarbonisation. 

Our approach seeks operational excellence, innovation applied to quality, speed of response and scalability. In an increasingly fragmented ecosystem, we offer a global but adaptable proposition, capable of accompanying manufacturers at different levels of electrification. 

Our diversified industrial network and our ability to design tailor-made solutions allows us to compete with historical and emerging players with the same solvency.

AR.- What elements do you consider to be Horse's main competitive advantage over other global players in the propulsion sector today?

C.M.- Our competitive advantage lies in the combination of three factors: experience, versatility and vision. Horse Technologies, and Horse Powertrain in general - the JV between Renault Group, Geely and Aramco - has highly qualified human capital, with decades of accumulated knowledge in the design and manufacture of engines, transmissions and complete propulsion systems. 

In addition to this, we have a modular and flexible product architecture, which allows us to respond to both conventional needs and emerging technologies such as hydrogen or advanced hybridisation. And to respond, not only to our sector, but also to other sectors that are interested in our technologies. Let me give you an example. Our HR13 engine goes in a B-class vehicle, it will go in a Caterham racing car, it will go in a Hybdor boat. Or the HR10, which is the basis of a Range Extender solution for electric vehicles that is attracting a lot of interest.

And thirdly, our commitment to sustainability in all aspects, from environmental, economic, industrial and human support. We have a clear and ambitious plan to reduce emissions and energy efficiency in our processes and products, which positions us as a reliable industrial partner for the coming years.

AR.- What are the advantages of having the headquarters in Spain, the second largest vehicle producer in Europe, and a member of SERNAUTO?

C.M.- Spain is one of Europe's major automotive industrial powers, with a first-class logistics network, qualified talent and a strong manufacturing culture. Establishing our headquarters here not only makes sense geographically, but also strategically: it allows us to be close to our main customers and at the same time to access an ecosystem of innovation in mobility and industrial digitalisation. 

Belonging to SERNAUTO reinforces this vocation for sectoral integration and allows us to actively participate in dialogue with institutions, promote collaborative projects and contribute to the competitiveness of the Spanish and European value chain.

AR: Which HORSE technology solutions are currently generating the most interest in the market and which do you think will be key five years from now?

C.M.- Today there is growing interest in our hybrid and low-emission solutions, particularly those that combine advanced efficiency with intelligent power electronics. Our hybrid engines, such as the HR12 or the recently launched HR18, together with the transmissions, batteries and PEB developed by Horse in Spain, are the most efficient on the market. And our commitment to Range Extender solutions is attracting particular attention. Our customers value software integration, energy management and reliability.  And in five years' time, technologies such as the e-fuel- or hydrogen-compatible combustion engine and optimised light hybridisation will play a key role. In Munich, at the upcoming IAA Mobility in September, we are sure to surprise the market. 

And beyond the product, the added value will also come from our capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, a field in which we are making significant investments and efforts to apply the most cutting-edge technologies to industrialisation in terms of quantum simulation, predictive analysis and virtual validation. All with one goal, to multiply our competitiveness in time and costs, with a * that is our trademark: Horse quality.

AR.- In a context where the 100% electric vehicle is advancing at a more moderate pace than expected, do you think that the future of the hybrid could take on a new role? 

C.M.- Without a doubt. The hybrid has been, is and will be. The market is recognising that hybrid is not a transitional technology, but a strategic solution in its own right. In contexts where charging infrastructure is limited or full electrification costs are still high, the hybrid represents the ideal balance between emissions reduction and affordability. And at Horse, we are poised to lead this trend. We have developed hybrid architectures adaptable to different platforms, and we have the state-of-the-art industrial capabilities to produce them at scale. Our technology roadmap also includes continuous improvements in efficiency, compactness and cost, allowing us to support our customers at every stage of electrification.

AR.- From your capabilities as a manufacturer of engines, transmissions, powertrains and power electronics, are you considering going beyond automotive?

C.M.- This is a line of work that we are carefully exploring. Our technologies can be applied in sectors such as agricultural machinery, urban mobility, energy generation and storage.  Our strategy is focused on the automotive sector, but with a pragmatic and collaborative approach that allows us to adapt our technology to new applications when the value justifies it.

There are already HORSE solutions in cars, in buses, in recreational boats... and don't rule out that very soon, we will be flying drones. This has just begun. Look, when we started this Horse adventure, we used to be asked if we had a future. Now the question we are often asked is, how far will Horse go?

AR.- Which new markets are showing the greatest interest in your solutions at the moment, and which are high on your medium-term roadmap?

C.M.- We are seeing a strong dynamism in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Eastern Europe, without neglecting the United States. In these markets, our hybrid and efficient combustion solutions respond very well to local needs in terms of cost, regulations and performance. In the medium term, we are also focusing on strengthening our presence in North Africa and Central Asia, where the energy transition is moving at a different pace, but the opportunities are significant. Our international approach is progressive, but determined. In the medium term 2030, we expect our sales to be around 20% in these new markets.

AR.- Are you exploring opportunities in non-traditional markets (Africa, India, Southeast Asia) and what barriers and advantages do you see there?

C.M.- Yes, we are actively looking at opportunities in markets such as India. The main barrier is often regulatory fragmentation and the need to adapt our solutions to very specific conditions. But there are also great advantages: growth in demand, openness to new technologies and a willingness for industrial collaboration. We are convinced that we will soon see positive results, as we are in a position to bring a lot of value to customers and end-users in these regions.

AR.- How do you adapt your sales and business development strategy to regions with different levels of electrification and regulations?

C.M.- Our strategy is based on intelligent adaptation. We do not offer a single global product, but modular platforms that fit each market. We listen to our customers, understand their regulatory context and design proposals with the best balance between cost, efficiency and compliance. In addition, our network of applied engineering and local validation allows us to customise solutions without losing scalability.

AR.- Beyond the Renault Nissan Alliance, what customer profile is showing interest in collaborating with Horse?

C.M.- We are working with manufacturers who are looking for a technological partner with a long-term vision. They choose us because we combine industrial reliability, technological innovation and environmental commitment. What they value most is our ability to integrate the entire propulsion system - from the engine to the electronics - and optimise it as a whole. And, of course, the strength of our industrial network and the transparency of our commercial relations.

AR.- What challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the next three years?

C.M.- The big challenge will be to continue growing without losing agility. The competitive environment is more complex than ever: cost pressure, new regulations, more demanding customers. But it is also an opportunity to differentiate ourselves. Horse Technologies is prepared to be that partner that provides stability in times of change, thanks to its technological vision, its industrial strength and its vocation for collaboration. What we offer the market is stability. 

The customer can continue with their plans and investments in the electric vehicle, we can supply them with other technologies to satisfy the customer and meet their business objectives without having to invest time and money in other developments. Success will be in anticipating, adapting and delivering real value to each customer, in each market.