Our elevator consumes the same amount of energy as a small home appliance.

Vimal Babu R

Managing Director, Nibav Lifts Pvt Ltd

How do you look at the demand trend in India for home elevators in general?

As life expectancy continues to rise and the number of elderly individuals increases, I am of the belief that the demand for in-home mobility is shifting from luxury to a necessity. Similar to how washing machines and air conditioning systems were once considered luxuries but are now necessities, we are seeing the same happening with home elevators. To avoid limiting individuals within their own homes and allow everyone to freely access and utilize all area of their residence without having to time their trips, an elevator would be a necessary addition to any home with more than two floors. Presently the demand for elevators is being driven by the top industry players, particularly those in the builder's market. Those who are proactive in understanding customer needs are incentivized to incorporate elevators into their new builds, and the innovative players in the construction market are capitalizing on the trend.

Can you elaborate on the evolution of Nibav as an important player in the home elevators segment?

When developing our elevator product at Nibav, our goal was not to simply introduce another option to the market. We recognized that we may not be the most affordable choice, but we aimed to position ourselves as a premium brand with a distinct approach to elevator design and functionality. Our ultimate goal is for consumers to desire our elevator above all other in the market. We have two primary objectives to achieve this: aesthetics and practicality. Our elevator's screwless and seamless design sets it apart as the only non-industrial-looking elevator in the world. Furthermore, it requires no pit, machine room or civil work, making it a convenient and hassle-free addition to any home for both builders and customers.

What are the features (including safety aspects) that make Nibav as a preferred home elevator?

In addition to the points I previously mentioned, having an elevator in your home offers an unparalleled level of convenience. With an elevator, you can access all levels of your home with ease, without any physical restrictions. Elevators are not just a necessity for medical reasons; they can also be utilized for everyday situations such as carrying groceries or luggage. Just like how having air conditioning in your car enhances your driving experience, an elevator in your home can improve you overall living experience. Furthermore, elevators have become a status symbol and a form of art that adds a touch of luxury to any property, ultimately increasing its value and enhancing ambiance. At Nibav, we take safety seriously and are proud to announce that our home elevator is the only one manufactured in India that adheres to European Safety Standards. The lack of safety standards for home elevators is a significant issue that some builders overlook, often resulting in the investment in local products that may face problems down the line, which can decrease the value of the builder's reputation. As a recommendation to all builders, it is crucial to ensure that any home elevator you consider is CE certified to guarantee safety and reliability.

How do sustainability and energy efficiency play a key role in Nibav lifts?

It is important to note that people generally prioritize maintenance costs over the initial investment when making a purchase. While they may be willing to pay a slightly higher price upfront, they want to avoid recurring long-term costs. Our elevator's power consumption is minimal, only using electricity when ascending on a single-phase power supply, and zero consumption when descending. To put it into perspective, it consumes the same amount of energy as a small home appliance. As a result, our elevator is suitable for installation in green homes, where residents prioritize energy efficiency. We have received significant demand for our elevator from this segment.

What kind of a strategy are you devising for the further growth of the brand in India and globally?

At our company, we place a greater emphasis on post-sales service than on the sale itself, which is our core objective. Our aim is to establish experience centres in all the tier 1 and tier 2 cities, providing customers with physical space to experience our product and gain a better understanding of what they are investing in. Recently, we opened our first experience centre in North America and plan to open five more in the coming months.

What is your outlook on the home elevator market and how are you preparing to stay ahead in the market?

This is a highly specialized market where you deal directly with customers.  Service expectations are much higher and more demanding compared to B2B businesses. Since this is a product for their private residence, the way we deliver our service is critical. It's a niche market and we strive for impeccable service, which results in a significant portion of our business coming from direct referrals and word of mouth due to customer satisfaction. We continuously work hard to stay on top of the latest technology to ensure our product remains superior to others in the market.

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