Jens Sverdrup is a prominent figure in the automotive industry, currently serving as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Commercial Officer at Zenvo Automotive A/S. Sverdrup’s automotive career began as a sales manager and general manager for supercar dealerships, where he demonstrated his passion for high-performance vehicles. Before joining Zenvo Automotive, he held the position of Chief Commercial Officer at Czinger Vehicles.
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Q. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role as CCO at Zenvo Automotive A/S?
My name is Jens Sverdrup, I am currently the Chairman of the board and Chief Commercial Officer at Zenvo Automotive A/s.
Q. What experiences and influences led you to develop a passion for cars and pursue a career in the automotive industry?
I have always been passionate about cars, starting from a young age when I received a scale model car as a gift. Growing up with a father who collected British sports cars, my interest in the automotive industry was nurtured. While studying music and psychology, I pursued car restoration as a hobby, gradually working on Ferraris and motorcycles.
There was a defining moment when I realized my true calling. While performing music on a cruise ship, I encountered a chaotic situation involving a drunk individual. Witnessing the lack of appreciation for the art I dedicated my life, I decided to pursue cars full-time. I approached a friend who worked with classic collector cars and offered to work for free, simply because I had an unwavering passion for automobiles. This marked the beginning of my professional journey in the automotive industry.
Q.Could you please provide an overview of your professional journey in the automotive industry, including key experiences and positions held, and how they have shaped your passion for cars and your approach to the industry?
I stumbled into the car industry somewhat coincidentally. Initially, I started my own classic car business with a colleague. Later, I moved to Sweden to work for a Ferrari dealer and became involved with other manufacturers like Pagani. Working with Pagani, I discovered my passion for the creative aspects of automotive brands, which reminded me of my interest in music and art.
At some point, a friend who invested in Koenigsegg convinced me to join them as head of sales and marketing. Despite the challenging times after the financial crisis, we successfully launched impressive cars like the Agera RS, the One:1, and the Regera. However, the extensive travel required in the position became overwhelming. After the successful launch of the Regero, I felt that my job there was complete. I then assisted Rimac in setting up their commercial structure and distribution and worked as a consultant for a dealer group called I&O. Subsequently, I was asked to move to LA to launch a new brand that relied heavily on 3D printing.
This opportunity was presented by a friend who had moved from Koenigsegg to become the Chief Technology Officer of the new brand. I was amazed by the technology and creativity involved in the brand, which officially debuted in 2021. Launching a brand from scratch was an exciting experience, involving developing the name, strategy, and product. However, commuting between London and Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic became challenging.
Eventually, I joined Senpo as an advisor, collaborating closely with their head of design on developing a new car from the ground up. This is the first time I’ve had significant input on all aspects, serving as an architect behind the future vehicle.
Overall, my journey in the car industry has been a result of trial and error, learning valuable lessons during my time at Koenigsegg. One crucial lesson is the importance of listening to customers and creating products that fulfill their desires.
While customers may not always know what they want, understanding their needs and innovating accordingly is essential for success. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this industry, even though I may not personally afford the cars I work with. The satisfaction I derive from being involved in every aspect is immeasurable, despite the challenges it presents.
Q. How does the team contribute to the overall customer experience and influence customers’ decisions to purchase cars?
The team is crucial in influencing customers’ decisions to buy our cars. While the appearance of the car initially catches their attention, it is their interaction with us at the factory that seals the deal. Many customers have expressed their desire to support our brand and be part of our journey. They believe in our potential as the next breakthrough brand and want to become early adopters. Some YouTubers have even purchased our cars without any commercial arrangement, purely out of their passion for the brand. These individuals are valuable assets as they help promote our brand to their wide audience. We highly value our team’s contribution, as they bring diverse opinions and a refreshing approach without corporate constraints. While this may seem unconventional, it resonates well with customers who appreciate being part of something authentic. Ultimately, the quality of our product remains paramount, but the team plays a significant role in representing our brand.
Q. How do you plan to maintain the brand while expanding your customer base in the future?
Our brand is currently limited in terms of production capacity, making it highly exclusive compared to our closest competitors, such as Pagani. The initial interest we have received primarily comes from early adopters who appreciate exclusivity and uniqueness. These individuals are genuine car enthusiasts who are eager to be the first to own something special. However, due to our limited capacity, we can only deliver approximately three cars per year initially. It is important to note that our target customers are not necessarily luxury seekers, but rather passionate car enthusiasts who truly enjoy the driving experience. As our brand continues to grow, we anticipate attracting a broader luxury-oriented customer base within the next five years.
Q. What aspects of Dubai’s environment do you find most appealing?
Dubai is a multicultural city that offers a diverse blend of cultures and languages. It has an entrepreneurial spirit with many individuals coming here to create a better life for themselves. The city is buzzing with energy and passion as everyone has ideas and ambitions. Being in Dubai is a great experience.
