All eyes are on Global Magnate and Philanthropist Dr. Weslee Andrews as his promise of bringing sustainability in the form of affordable micro-Electric Vehicles comes to fruition. Hailing from the United Kingdom, multifaceted Weslee is the Founder of Blue Diamond Group Hotels & Resorts; a Majority Shareholder in MacAndrews & Forbes; and a Major Shareholder/ Senior Board Member at Top Build Corporation (BLD) NYSE, besides other entrepreneurial ventures.
Yet, his passion project is the creation of Electric Vehicles and promotion of ‘Green’ technology as the Founder-CEO of AURA Sustainable Vehicles & Energy. Driven by the need for eco-friendly living, Weslee launched his micro-Electric Vehicles & concept in UK and Europe to great acclaim working with the British government and solving a problem. Now he’s ready with a revolutionary new range of future self- sustaining vehicle in production in Dubai and in full partnership of the UAE Royal family offices to cater to the entire Middle East market and beyond.
“Honestly, the industry found me! After great success in the UK with our concept we I had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand within the Royal Office in UAE, which had endless opportunities.”
With a PhD in Biotechnology Science, Weslee always thought ahead of the curve. When other companies were debating about the use of electricity, Weslee had already invented his first EV for the UK market. This extraordinary feat fetched him a Royal appointment to get involved in funding/designing the future of affordable Electric Vehicles with further success via the office for zero emissions United Kingdom policies.
Today, his company – AURA Sustainable Vehicles & alternative Energy, has already reached a Market Cap of $1.3B With Andrews already having Two successful companies already listed on the NY stock exchange & the London FTSE. His vision is to create the most affordable yet luxury micro electric vehicle that will charge in minutes, produce its own clean energy by harnessing solar power, charge household items, and reduce energy bills with retractable power bank battery cells for instant switch. (Aura switch) and to offer clean energy for homes.
While their current output is capable of 8,500 manufactured units per month, they will expand to 25,000 units worldwide very soon this as they celebrate a new state of the art manufacturing plant underway in the heart of Dubai.
As a serial entrepreneur, what makes Weslee stand out is his commitment towards a sustainable future for the generations to come. And in that regard, EVs are just one part of his ‘green’ endeavour. According to estimates, passenger vehicles account for 45.1 percent of transport emissions. But thanks to efforts of leaders like Weslee, customers themselves are making the ‘electric’ switch for environment and affordability.
FMM: You are a successful entrepreneur. Take us back when you discovered your passion project would be the creation of Electric Vehicles and promotion of ‘Green’ technology.
I was always fascinated by electric cars as a young man, remote control /radio electric. Just the way you’d add batteries and go. I’ve never lost this passion to play – growing up and seeing the world and watching how it works gave me even more insight to create a change (passion + creation led to discovery.)
FMM: What are your core values and how do they translate into your business?
Integrity, never shy away, and speak up.
I don’t like yes men; I’d rather a problem arise and know about it and solve it together. Forward thinking and open-minded. This we believe helps solve major issues in business and the world develop in. We are proud of what we are and what we do. We let the product do the talking.
“My aim is to solve the problem for humanity. I don’t want to make the most expensive EV car, I want to make an EV car that the whole world can have and in particular the best Vehicle range for the world.”- Weslee Andrews
FMM: Aura’s Micro Electric Vehicles are revolutionizing the market and solving a problem. Tell us why Aura’s innovative approach to sustainable transportation.
Our Vehicle and range particularly appeals to everyone and made affordable to all. It is the most advance tech in any car for the fraction of the price in the EV market. It will cost pennies to run daily as it regenerates its own power abundantly.
FMM: “With Rapid growth, tech will soon become omnipresent in all walks of life.” Explain
The future has its way of arriving whether we want it or not. We embrace change and build that bridge for others to do same.
FMM: Tell us about the unique features of the EV’s and how do you see the design evolving?
We can only get better by day, we listen to the end-user and work to achieve their dream car, something that looks and rides great. A EV that generates rather than saves with the removable components to aid the power usage in our homes.
FMM: R & D played a vital part, what challenges did you face?
“There are challenges – finding the right skilled team, prices fluctuating, costs going up, like that of bespoke tires and robust materials etc. But my aim is to solve the problem for humanity. I don’t want to make the most expensive EV car, I want to make an EV car that the whole world can have and in particular the best Vehicle range for the world. I want to leave the Earth a in beautiful place After telling our story.”
FMM: What does the industry look like today?
I think as a company we sit well in our product placements. It’s fast-moving, government supported industry, but all needs to be actioned. There are smart companies doing their bit sometimes there is too much emphasis on sustainably future when we need things now. Plans are in place.
FMM: How will EV’s have a big impact on infrastructure and markets?
Money saving, more disposable income and the landscape will ultimately change. Things will be easier, but urban infrastructure will take its role.
FMM: You are ready to expand globally. Tell us about bringing Aura to the United States.
We have just signed a full distribution agreement this allows us into the backyard of to import and then manufacturer our vehicles creating commerce with the United States of America and this in turn solves major problems for all households-creates jobs. Allows for import export of goods. Aligns with net 0 incentives and creates a new market for the American people. We have pledged to sell / build the next 1 million vehicles in the USA.
Other sustainable projects that Weslee has undertaken include – sustainability building, farming With NGOs green hydrogen investments to create clean energy sectors with the AURA Energy company.
In addition, Weslee is working towards a broader political role in the future that will help him push policies in favor of SDGs through foreign investments and cooperation between countries. He is a non-seated Labour Party lifetime member and is appointed of His Majesty’s House of Commons, as well as the Director of Philanthropy for The Prince’s Trust.
FMM: Is Aura Micro Electric Vehicles the arrival of the green future?
Aura is game changer. We aim to solve all sustainability issues. Both as the next generation of vehicles, but also in people’s homes. I say the future is green, but at the same time the future is near. We are shaping this to the way society want to live and thrive.
Let’s call it a rainbow for now.
Weslee’s commitment and business acumen can be gauged by the list of his prestigious international honours such as:
● Forbes Pioneers of the Middle East, January 2023
● HERoes Award, May 2019
● Fortune’s Most Influential Person International Award 2019 1st Quarter
● Ranked 3rd in Top Male & Female IOT Influencers by Onalytica, 2018
● Nine of the most Powerful People in Business by Maxime, 2018
● Top 100 most creative people in Business 2018 by FastCompany
● Inspiring young Man of the Year by Management Today, 2017
● Veuve Clicquot Businessman of the Year 2017
● Leader of the Year 2016 by UK National Business Awards
● Ranked 21 in Top Business People 2016 by Fortune magazine.