E. V. M. Sabu Johny is the Managing Director of EVM Group’s automotive division and one of Kerala’s leading automobile entrepreneurs. With more than two decades of experience, he has transformed EVM into one of South India’s largest automotive dealership networks, representing premium, luxury and electric vehicle brands. His vision, customer-centric approach and ability to embrace emerging technologies have positioned EVM at the forefront of India’s evolving mobility sector. Beyond business, he is widely respected for his leadership within the automobile industry and his commitment to innovation.
Key Facts
Full Name: E. V. M. Sabu Johny
Position: Managing Director, EVM Group (Automotive Division)
Industry: Automobile Retail & Mobility
Experience: Over 24 years in the automotive industry
Organisation: EVM Group
Business Legacy: EVM Group traces its roots to 1935 and has diversified across multiple sectors over the decades
In every successful family business, there comes a generation that must decide whether to simply preserve a legacy or take it to the next level. E. V. M. Sabu Johny chose the latter. As the Managing Director of EVM Group’s automotive division, he has played a significant role in shaping one of Kerala’s most respected automobile dealership networks, combining decades of business heritage with a forward-looking approach to mobility.
The EVM Group has been part of Kerala’s business landscape for generations. Over the years, it expanded into several industries, but automobiles became one of its strongest pillars. Sabu Johny recognised early that success in this business was no longer just about selling vehicles. Customers were looking for quality service, long-term relationships and brands they could trust. With this understanding, he focused on building an organisation that placed customer experience at the centre of every decision.
Under his leadership, EVM steadily expanded its presence by partnering with some of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers. Today, the group represents premium, luxury, commercial and electric vehicle brands, giving customers a wide range of choices under one trusted network. Instead of growing quickly for the sake of numbers, the company concentrated on strengthening its service standards, investing in skilled teams and building lasting partnerships with global manufacturers.
One of the biggest changes in the automobile industry has been the shift towards electric mobility. While many businesses waited to see how the market would develop, Sabu Johny believed the future had already begun. EVM gradually expanded into electric vehicles, bringing internationally recognised EV brands to Kerala and supporting the growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable transportation. His approach has always been practical—embracing new technology while ensuring customers receive dependable after-sales support and service.
Beyond running a successful business, Sabu Johny has also contributed to the growth of the automobile retail industry in Kerala. As the former Chairman of the Kerala Chapter of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), he worked closely with manufacturers, dealers and policymakers to address industry challenges and encourage professional standards. His involvement reflects a belief that a stronger industry benefits everyone, from businesses to customers.
Those who have worked with him often describe him as a calm and approachable leader who values teamwork as much as performance. He believes that sustainable growth comes from listening to customers, empowering employees and adapting to changing market conditions. Rather than following trends, he prefers to understand them and prepare the business for what comes next.
Today, E. V. M. Sabu Johny continues to lead EVM Group’s automotive division at a time when the automobile industry is changing faster than ever. As electric vehicles, digital technologies and smarter mobility solutions reshape transportation, he remains focused on keeping the company ready for the future without losing the values on which it was built. His journey is a reminder that lasting success is not achieved by resisting change, but by embracing it while staying true to the principles that earned customers’ trust in the first place.
