India is a land of innovations and inventors. From the metric numbering system of all the numbers, including zero, its calendar system including a week and names of days similar to the Greek-Roman system of naming days, to Chess, Ruler (scale), Diamonds, Shampoo, Flush Toilet, Indigo dye, Ink, Ancient Dentistry, Binary Code, Algebraic Abbreviations, Decimal Mark, Fibonacci Numbers, Cotton Cultivation, Yoga, Ayurveda, upto the recent proving of water on the moon with Chandrayan-1, and many more things, Indians keep inventing pragmatic and practical solutions to the questions and issues troubling humanity since the dawn of its earliest consciousness.
Nestled amidst this landscape of innovation is Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd, a visionary initiative founded by Kumar Shinagare, the Founder and Managing Director, in the year 2002. This pioneering company embarked on its journey by carving a niche in the automotive realm, introducing India’s inaugural OEM-fitted reverse camera with an LCD ingeniously integrated into the rear-view mirror of the TATA Safari VX Model in 2002. Under Kumar’s visionary leadership, Tropicool achieved another milestone in 2004 by creating India’s premier Thermo-electric car refrigerator, (No compressor, No gas!), a luxurious innovation featuring Sub-Zero temperature capabilities, exclusively featured in the Limited Edition of Tata Safari.
The Coolness Quotient
As the Indian Automobile Industry burgeoned, witnessing a surge in cars gracing the roads, the perception of automobiles evolved. Cars transcended their utilitarian role of mere commuting devices to become vehicles for fostering familial bonds and companionship. Individuals increasingly transformed their cars into conduits for memorable road trips and extensive drives, forming lasting connections with family and friends.
In this transformative milieu, Tropicool emerges as a stalwart in providing innovative car gadgets and accessories dedicated to elevating the on-road experiences of car owners. The company is steadfast in its commitment to offering an unparalleled home-away-from-home experience within the confines of a car, driven by a relentless pursuit of pioneering products that enhance convenience and comfort for all automobile enthusiasts. The company established a Pan India retail distribution and service network in 2008 and expanded its B2C distribution through E-commerce channels. Kumar informs, “We provide products that add to the luxury quotient in your car and make your car as safe and convenient as your home.”
Tropicool is the first company to introduce luxury and safety car gadgets like Portable Car Refrigerators and Reverse Camera Systems in India. These products were featured in the top-end Tata Safari Dicor and Limited Edition models.
Tropicool Milestones
Since its inception, Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd has traversed a remarkable journey marked by pioneering milestones that have reshaped the landscape of car accessories and technological innovations.
In 2012, the company undertook a significant stride by expanding its B2C distribution network, solidifying its presence across leading eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal.
The year 2013 witnessed Tropicool’s groundbreaking innovation as it developed a novel Cool Box specifically designed for GSK – an Active Vaccine Carrier equipped with battery backup, underscoring its commitment to cutting-edge technological advancements.
Subsequently, in 2015, the introduction of the Tropicool Reverse Camera System in the Defense sector, featuring in Ashok Leyland Defense, Mahindra Defense, and Tata Motors, marked a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, catering to the unique needs of Defence vehicles, like night vision, defrosting, sturdy in tough Himalayas.
No wonder, Kumar Shinagare, the Founder was featured as one of the “ICONS OF PUNE” by The Economic Times of India, twice!
The year 2016 saw Tropicool extending its expertise to Security and Infotainment products tailored for Commercial Vehicles, further diversifying its product offerings.
In recognition of its innovative endeavors, Tropicool garnered accolades, including being nominated for the 2nd CII Cold Chain Awards in 2017 under the Innovation Category and gaining recognition as one of the Top 20 most promising car accessories manufacturers in India by Silicon India in 2018.
Continuing its path of innovation, Tropicool solidified its position in 2019, as highlighted in Motorindia Magazine, emphasizing its excellence in Safety and Infotainment prospects.
Khushboo Shinagare, Gold Medalist from Pune University in BCS & MCS, has been instrumental in Tropicool’ growth by establishing process & system oriented operations & manages both the Factory units in Hinjewadi, Pune and Sales force.
The year 2020 marked a significant chapter in its journey as the company established a dedicated manufacturing plant in Pune, focusing on USB Chargers production, boasting chargers with 0% import content and featuring Data Transfer capabilities.
Tropicool continued its upward trajectory in 2021 by establishing innovative products, it expanded its footprint in the Cold Chain Refrigerator Business, like Vaccine Carriers & Blood Transport units, further cementing its legacy as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
Furthermore, Tropicool introduced security and infotainment products for CVs and Defense systems in 2016. It established its dedicated USB manufacturing plant in 2020 and its USB charger, SKD Monitors and SKD Cameras manufacturing plant this year (2023).
Kumar shares that they partner with OEMs like Tata Motors, Marcopolo, Volvo, Daimler, Ashok Leyland, Piaggio, Mahindra & Mahindra, Olectra, JBM, Force Motors, ACGL, MG Motors, Hyundai, Bharat Forge, Greencell Mobility, Volvo Eicher, UNOMinda, etc., for design, testing, manufacture, and packaging and after-sales support of originally fitted as well as OEM-approved Tropicool products featured in their vehicles. “At Tropicool, we strive to exceed customer expectations of product quality, delivery and service. Our products are manufactured in factories overseas and personally evaluated by our team for their quality, technology and certified processes. Further, our products are tested by us in India to suit the Indian condition,” adds Kumar.
Qualitative Innovations Satisfying Customers’ Demands
Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd stands out in the automotive industry due to a myriad of strengths that underscore its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Innovative Technologies: Central to its ethos is the integration of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art Innovative Technologies, ensuring an unparalleled and delightful driving experience for customers.
Superior Quality: The company’s unwavering commitment to Superior Quality is evident in its rigorous quality assurance processes, ensuring that all products pass stringent certifications by ARAI, with RoHS compliance and CE approvals, assuring durability and safety.
Guaranteed Performance: Tropicool’s products offer Guaranteed Performance, providing customers with a free replacement or service warranty for 1-2 years, instilling trust and confidence in the brand.
Timely Service and Response: With a firm belief in Timely Service and Response, the company has established a robust network of dealers and comprehensive support systems across major cities in India, ensuring prompt and efficient service.
Dedicated Team: Bolstered by a Dedicated Team specializing in the Research and Development of OEM-fitted Products, Tropicool focuses on meeting clients’ specific requirements, providing comprehensive project partnerships and tailored solutions. “At Tropicool, we provide full project partnership. We have a specialized team for OEM projects that understand our client’s needs and provide complete solutions,” mentions Kumar.
Customization of Products: Customization of Products as per OEM requirement. OEM products require a clear understanding of the clients’ needs and the project requirements. “The requirements may vary from project to project, and our specialized R&D team customizes products to match your requirements.” The company prides itself on the Customization of Products, catering precisely to OEM requirements through a specialized R&D team that adapts products to suit varying project needs.
Growing Retail Brand in India: As a testament to its success, Tropicool® has emerged as a Growing Retail Brand in India, celebrated for its Smart Car Gadgets, boasting a burgeoning distributor and dealer network across 13 cities. “We have a growing distributor and dealer network across 13 cities in India.”
ISO-9001: 2015 certified: Complementing its commitment to quality, the company operates with ISO-9001:2015 certification for its overseas manufacturing partners in Taiwan and Japan, ensuring adherence to the highest automotive standards, alongside its ISO-9001:2015 certified offices and warehouses in India, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Tropicool’s Core Competencies
Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd has positioned itself as a leader in the automotive industry through its exceptional Core Competencies in Service, Quality, and Manufacturing. The company boasts an In-House Product Development facility encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing, and testing, emphasizing self-reliance and innovation. Supported by a proficient Team of over 35 Engineers, Tropicool ensures expertise and dedication in crafting automotive-grade products.
The company expecting shortly certifications such as IATF 16949, ISO 14001-2015, and ISO45001-2018, signifying its commitment to superior Quality Management Systems. Their Warehouse, certified under ISO 9001:2018, boasts substantial capacity and enables efficient distribution and service through a nationwide network of centres.
Tropicool’s commitment to innovation is evident with its introduction of over 200 innovative and automotive-grade products, including indigenously developed offerings like USB Chargers, 7” RVS Monitors, Cameras, and PA Amplifiers through New Product Development. Prioritizing customer satisfaction, every product undergoes a 100% Pre-Delivery Inspection and is backed by warranties ranging from one to five years, ensuring customer reliability and peace of mind.
Furthermore, adhering to International Standards like ROHS, CE, E-Mark, and Automotive Indian Standards, such as AIS 004, BIS IS16242, and IS13252, underscores the company’s dedication to meeting global quality benchmarks.
Tropicool’s product designs are tailored to accommodate both Indian and Global OEM requirements, and the company is actively involved in the localization of its products as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing its commitment to the nation’s self-reliance agenda.
For more information on products and gadgets, please click www.tropicoolindia.com or www.facebook.com/tropicoolgadgets or email at info@tropicoolindia.com or call at +91-20- 25881704/25883009 or Customer Care – +91 9226192262.
