Can you introduce us to Andes Motor?

Andes Motor is celebrating 10 years in the automotive industry in Chile. We are a young company, but we have had explosive growth. We have already sold over 45,000 units, and we have a comprehensive portfolio. Any client needing a commercial vehicle can come to us and find a vehicle ranging from small trucks and cargo vehicles to large mining machinery. Recently, we started experimenting in niches such as cranes and port equipment.

How important are electric vehicles in your portfolio?

Andes Motor has a wide variety of machinery for mining, and we are expanding our offerings with electric machines. Our portfolio is constantly increasing. We just sold the first electric Sany mining machine in Chile. The product has already entered the country and will begin operations next month. We already had electric trucks and mini trucks actively in use across the country, so the first electric Sany mining machine is an excellent step.

We see very high demand in the personnel transportation area. In the mining industry, there is a significant need to transport people, for which mines want to use electric vehicles. We currently have the highest number of electric vehicles operating in the country, and in the public sector we supplied over 1,300 electric city buses for Santiago.

Can you describe how inflation has impacted Andes Motor?

Our primary concern is how we can help our clients to optimize operations to ensure that they can weather this economic moment. Our philosophy is that clients who are happy with us will continue to buy our brands. Inflation will go up and down, and prices will go up and down, but by maintaining our personalized support we can keep our clientele consistent. What can the government do to incentivize investment?

We have long said that the primary factor needed for investment is clear rules, and we are beginning to see that. Investment is following, and we expect it to increase. All governments make challenging decisions, and those decisions alter the market. However, we are seeing more openness to communication. With greater legal and regulatory clarity, our clients can commit more investment in Chile.

How does Andes Motor utilize digital technologies?

Any company not utilizing digital technologies will fall behind and find competing difficult. The world has changed a great deal, particularly due to the pandemic. Today, digitalization must be a pillar for any company, and we are working very hard to develop our use of digital tools.

That being said, digitalization does not stand on its own. It goes hand in hand with our electromobility efforts. These are the two major themes for us. Digitalization allows real-time monitoring, which supports electromobility by enabling the user to see the energy status and charging needs. We also offer simulated pilot programs, providing a clear preview of the vehicle's performance. The rise of electromobility is interconnected with these innovative technologies.

What differentiates Andes Motor’s service?

We have the experience to operate and handle an electric battery. Andes Motor is the representative of CATL, the largest car battery manufacturer in the world. We have a specialized team for selling electric vehicles because the expertise and information are different when selling an electric vehicle compared to the expertise needed to sell a traditional combustion engine. Our ability to advise the client comes from this specialized attention and expertise.

The most important thing for an organization is to have an excellent team, conditioned and working together. I believe having a pleasant work environment in the company is crucial. Therefore, it is a consistent priority that our employees feel that Andes Motor is a positive place to work.

This prioritization of the employees goes hand-in-hand with our client services. We understand that the client is the priority, and they are the ones who pay salaries, not the company. That client-centered approach permeates our operations.

What is your strategy for the next year?

We are focused on consolidating the brands we represent. We also intend to grow both in terms of sales and representation. As a young company, we seek to optimize our operations to meet the current moment. We are also excited to enter the passenger vehicle market this year, expanding beyond commercial vehicles for the first time.