Perception Mapping of Champion Alfa and Competitors
Perception Mapping of Champion Alfa and Competitors
Perception Mapping of Champion Alfa and Competitors
1.1 INTRODUCTION
With the growing competition in the market and globalization coming into role it has become
essential for any Automobile company to keep in touch with the recent technology. My subject
of project mainly targets the perception mapping of customers with reference to buying process
of three wheelers. Thus, for a automobile company to survive in a market it is very essential to
stick to new technology, price before and after sales service
In the present market scenario, many automobile companies are launching their new product. In
order to achieve our target market share there is necessity to implement new programmes and
marketing strategies. So the question comes in mind, that, what is the behavior of customers
while buying a three wheeler vehicle? What are the factors which influence the buying behavior
of customers? What are the competitors’ strategies to increase their market share?
In any automobile sector, finance plays important role in the sales process. A customer should
get more option regarding to finance as per their need. In today’s competitive world each and
every customer expects a best of before and after sales service which plays an important role in
increasing sales. There should be proper training programmed for sales person at the dealers’
outlet in order to achieve proper communication between company and the dealer, this will help
the company to know the customers’ expectations and their feedback about the product.
In today’s competitive and globalization era it is very important to launch a new product having
some additional features than before competitor’s product.
1.2 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the market scenario of the Champion ALFA and Competitors product.
To find the reasons for low sales.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
Within a time span of two months it was difficult to cover whole of Nashik district.
Questionnaire filled in two months was only 100 in number so analysis part may
indulge some wrong analysis.
Whole project was limited to area of Nashik district so it may be possible that response
of another district or area may be different.
Wrong response by customer while filling questionnaire may result in wrong analysis.
CHAPTER II
2.1 COMPANY PROFILE/THEORITICAL BACKGROUND
GROUP OVERVIEW
The birth of Mahindra & Mahindra began when K.C. Mahindra visited the United States of
America as Chairman of the India Supply Mission. He met Barney Roos, inventor of the rugged
'general purpose vehicle' or Jeep and had a flash of inspiration: wouldn't a vehicle that had
proved its invincibility on the battlefields of World War II be ideal for India's rugged terrain and
its kutcha rural roads?
Swift action followed thought. The Mahindra brothers joined hands with a distinguished
gentleman called Ghulam Mohammad. And, on October 2nd, 1945, Mahindra & Mohammad
was set up as a franchise for assembling jeeps from Willys, USA
Two years later, India became an independent nation and Mahindra & Mohammad
changed its name to Mahindra & Mahindra. Ghulam Mohammad migrated to Pakistan post-
partition and became the first Finance Minister of Pakistan
Since then, Mahindra & Mahindra has grown steadily in size and stature and evolved
into a Group that occupies a premier position in almost all key sectors of the economy. The
Group's history is studded with milestones. Each one taking the Group forward. In fact, today,
its total turnover is about 4.5 billion dollars.
The Mahindra Group, a US $4.5 billion conglomerate, has a significant presence in the key
sectors of the Indian economy. A consistently high performer, the Mahindra Group is one of the
most respected in the country.
Set up in 1945 to make general-purpose utility vehicles for the Indian market, the flagship
company Mahindra & Mahindra Limited has expanded its operations beyond automobiles and
tractors and has made spirited thrusts into new areas of business.
The Company has, over the years, transformed itself into a Group that caters to the Indian
and overseas markets with a presence in six business sectors: Automotive Sector, Farm
Equipment Sector, Information Technology Sector, Trade & Financial Services Sector,
Infrastructure Development Sector and the Systech Sector. The Systech Sector was recently
started in order to focus on developing components as well as offering engineering services.
With the launch of new generation vehicles like the Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Scorpio, the
Group has created brands that for the global stage. The Group's global strategy today focuses on
a mix of mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures to strengthen its core product areas and enter
new niche markets, both domestic and international. These include a joint venture with French
auto major, Renault, to manufacture and market Logan, the world's most affordable C-segment
car, in India, and a joint venture with International Truck, USA.
The Mahindra Group has always been committed to Corporate Social Responsibility. On the
occasion of its 60th anniversary, the Group announced a range of Corporate Social
Responsibility activities supported by a commitment of 1% of Profit after Tax for its Corporate
Social Responsibility initiatives.
The five core values that form the bedrock on which the Mahindra Group has been built are:
good corporate citizenship, professionalism, customer first, quality focus and dignity of the
individual. These values have been a part of the Group's ethos since the very beginning and
continue to guide the business decisions of the Group even today. The Group's philosophy of
growth is centered on its belief in people and all efforts are made to reward and retain the best
talent in the industry.
In 2002, the Group embarked on a transformation process, which was christened the 'Blue Chip'
initiative. The essence of the Blue Chip is captured in the five business mantras that it
propagates, namely: leadership, innovation, globalization, a sharp focus on financial returns
and, most importantly, customer centricity.
Leadership for the Group is the aim to be number one or number two in all their businesses.
Globalization is not just about selling products around the globe; it is about setting global
standards of excellence in whatever the Group does. Above all, the Group is committed towards
creating a genuinely customer centric organization, with the aim of not just satisfying customers
but delighting them.
Automotive
Farm Equipment
Information
Technology
Systech
COMPANY AUTOMOBILE SECTOR OVERVIEW
The Automotive Sector is the market leader in utility vehicles in India since inception and
currently accounts for about half of India’s market for utility vehicles with a product portfolio
that ranges from rugged, mass-transport utility vehicles to personal segment sports utility
vehicles like the Scorpio
While the world-class Scorpio (declared to be the ‘Car of the Year’ by CNBC Autocar, BBC
Wheels and Business Standard Motoring) is the Automotive Sector’s current flagship, it has
many more products that have made it popular with individuals and institutions in India and the
world. The Automotive Sector of the Mahindra Group is currently present in the multi-utility
vehicle, light commercial vehicle and three-wheeler segments. Now, with its joint ventures, it
will have a presence in the passenger car and the medium and heavy commercial vehicle
segments too
Mahindra Automobiles have a strong and growing presence in international markets. From
humble beginnings in 1968, when 1,200 vehicles were shipped to the former Yugoslavia,
Mahindra exports have grown by leaps and bounds and today reach customers across five
continents. From neighbouring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to such far-flung places as Australia
and Uruguay, vehicles sporting the Mahindra logo can now be found in almost every corner of
the world. Such is Mahindra’s commitment to global markets that it launched subsidiaries in
South Africa in 2004 (Mahindra South Africa) and in Europe in 2005 (Mahindra Europe) to
handle its sales and growth in those important markets. The Company is also currently
establishing local assembly set-ups in strategic markets in order to better serve its customers in
those respective regions. Mahindra vehicles have gone on display to auto enthusiasts around the
world, participating in prestigious automobile shows in Paris
, Rome, Bologna, Johannesburg and São Paulo. And this is just the beginning of the Company’s
global adventure. In 2006 Mahindra announced that it would be the first Indian automobile
manufacturer to enter the world’s most demanding and critical market – USA
In February 2005 Mahindra & Mahindra and Renault decided to join forces to produce and
commercialize Logan in India. The joint venture is a 51:49 partnership between M&M and
Renault. An investment of 125 million euros (Rs. 700 crore) was announced to set up a
production capacity of 50,000 cars per year. The Logan would be produced at M&M’s state-of-
the-art factory located in Nashik, which offers a stamping shop, a paint shop with a top quality
pre-treatment and an assembly line specific for the Logan
The JV went on stream on September 1, 2006 with the trial production of Logan. The
assessment of all suppliers has been done by Renault’s quality team. Up gradations at the level
of suppliers for the new product are being implemented by the Mahindra Renault team. All
specific equipment required for production has been installed in the body shop, the paint shop
and the TCF line.
The trial vehicles have been put through thorough durability testing on Indian roads, besides
accelerated tests on the Renault test tracks. The first phase of road trials was done in May-
August 2005. Some vehicles completed more than 50,000 km on Indian roads and passed the
rigors of India’s climactic changes. The second phase of validations was completed at Renault
test tracks.
In November 226, Mahindra & Mahindra and Renault decided to extend their strategic alliance
and signed another memorandum of understanding to set up a Greenfield facility with a capacity
of 500,000 units per year within 5 years. In this alliance, M&M and the Renault-Nissan alliance
would each hold 50 percent stake.
The driving force behind this announcement was to consolidate the Mahindra Renault joint
venture formed exclusively for the Logan. A range of Mahindra as well as Mahindra-Renault
products suited to the requirements of Indian customers will be
manufactured at the new ‘greenfield’ production site under the direction of Renault and
Mahindra. The production site will include a vehicle assembly plant, shared between the two
partners. Renault also has plans to set up a powertrain factory.
Production is expected to begin mid-2009, with an initial installed production capacity of
300,000 vehicles per year. The manufacturing site is yet to be finalised.
The product range will be marketed by Mahindra-Renault and sold through the extensive and
well-established Mahindra channel network throughout India..
Product Development
M&M has a strong Product Development set-up with world class facilities. The Company's
product development prowess was acknowledged internationally with the design and
development of Scorpio becoming a Harvard Business School case study. Keeping in tune with
the needs of the society, the company has also focused its energies on development of alternate
propulsion technologies. It has the distinction of designing the world’s first Hydrogen 3 wheeler
and India’s first Hybrid vehicle
MANUFACTURING UNITS
KANDIVLI
NASIK
ZAHEERABAD
IGATPURI
HARIDWAR
BAJAJ GC 1000-
Features-
Displacement -416cc
Power -6.25KW
Voltage -12V
GVW -990 KG
CVW -430KG
Passing -560KG
Fuel Tank Capacity-8 L
Colours -Bright red, Green, Yellow, White, Dark blue.
Positive lock doorings.
Battery is placed outside the cabin.
PIAGGIO APE-
FEATURES-
Displacement -395cc
Power -8 hp (3600rpm)
Voltage -12V
GVW -990 KG
CVW -430KG
Passing -560KG
Fuel Tank Capacity-10.5 L
Colours -Bright red, Green, Yellow, White, Dark blue.
Fan system in cabin.
Mobile charger slot
Price Comparison-
Factors Champion ALFA Bajaj GC 1000 Piaggio Ape
Showroom cost(Rs) 127290 126500 121900
R.T.O. 15500 15200 15745
Insurance 4179 4075 3900
Octroi(3% on showroom price) 3820 3795 3657
Total Price 150789 149570 145202
Counter Sales Process-
This is a introductory phase of a customer directly, when customer arrives at showroom for
enquiry about vehicle, the sales person fills CDIF(Customer Data Enquiry Form) which
contains
Name of the customer.
Address of the customer.
Contact number of customer.
Vehicle which he is going to buy.
Possible date of buying.
Whether he is hot/ warm /Cold Customer.
(Hot- Is the customer who wishes to buy vehicle in 15 days.
Warm- Is the customer who wish to buy vehicle within a month.
Cold- Is the customer who intends to buy vehicle after a month.)
Test drive for the customer as per his wish.
Test drive feedback by the customer.
Follow up schedule of customers by the sales person.
After filling the CDIF form, each and every customer is given quotation price of vehicle which
he is going to buy. The quotation is used for the purpose of financing activity of the customer.
Each customer is given leaflet of the vehicle and contact number of the sales person. If
customer demands for the financing of vehicle then sales person is responsible for giving him
guidance regarding various finance available.
April :5
May :9
June :0
July :12
August :5
September :29
October :25
PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA-
1) MAHA EXCHANGE MELA.
2) LOAN EXCHANGE MELA
3) CUSTOMER SERVICE.
4) DEMO SHOW
1) MAHA EXCHANGE MELA-
During exchange mela old cars are exchanged for new one. Genrally a broker of dealer decides
the exchange value. Advertisement is generally given in local newspaper. Ad contains place of
mela and contact numbr of sales person.
2) LOAN EXCHANGE MELA-
As that of exchange mela in loan exchange mela sales person of dealer is accompanied by
representative of a particular finance company. Here customer along with vehicle comes to
know about various finance facilities available to him.
3) CUSTOMER SERVICE –
TELL US is initiated by Mahindra & Mahindra for customer service. Here customer can send
his feedback about M & M directly to the company 24*7.
The ad campaign shows Dr. Pawan Goenka (Vice President of M & M) asking people to share
their experience good or not so good with the company.
TELL US forms are available at dealer’s outlet. Because of this ad campaign the customers of
M & M started to get better service.
4) DEMO SHOW-
In demo show the vehicle is to be demonstrated to the various people at various places by
giving them test drive. Because of this people come to know about the newly launched vehicle,
its features.
In demo show peoples are given test drive of the vehicle and the sales person giving test drive
points out the strong points of the vehicle as compared to that of competitor’s product.
In addition to demo show road shows are also performed. Generally the road shows are
performed by an external agency. The road show is generally conducted at places such as
markets, near bus stand and places where there is more crowd. In road show people are attracted
by music systems, various games, and by distributing various gifts such as kitchens, t-shirts,
caps and pens.
During road show and demo shows leaflets are distributed along with various finance facilities.
RESEARCH DESIGN
In August 2005, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M & M) started commercial production of
Champion ALFA in three wheeler segment. Since it’s launch it received stiff competition from
Piaggio ape and Bajaj GC 1000. The sales figure of champion ALFA was very less as compared
to that of Ape and GC 1000. Company adopted various promotional policies to increase the
sales figure but, it didn’t helped a lot.
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the market scenario of the Champion ALFA and Competitors
product.
To find the reasons for low sales.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
Research objectives
Research objectives was laid down.
Primary Data-
The primary data was collected by conducting interviews and having discussion with people.
The telephonic medium is also used.
The people interviewed were from different areas such industrial areas, market yard etc.
It took some time to collect this data but in order to get more accurate data it was necessary to
visit various person using different vehicles and the project is exploratory research.
Customer’s were also contacted by using telephone.
Secondary Data-
The secondary data is the made data and has been collected from literature reviews, including
trade journals, seminar proceedings, patent literature, company literature, published reports and
government publications.
It is the data collected by someone else.
Research instrument-
The research instrument used in this project was structured questionnaire. The intention of
survey was to explore the market scenario of three wheeler.
Method of sampling-
Geographical coverage-
Nashik district.
Time Period-
60 days (4th June-4th August).
Analysis of data-
The collected data is categorized in a systematic way according to need of objective and then
simple statistical technique like pie chart, graphs are used to analyze the data.
Scope:
Focus area of project is to find market scenario of three wheeler and to check opportunities for
future growth.
Geographical scope:
The project area was limited to the geographical limits of Nashik district.
Time Scope:
Time period for project was limited to two months only.
CHAPTER IV
4.1 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
BAJAJ GC1000 1 4 15 3 2
INTERPRETATION:
Mileage of the vehicle goes on decreasing as follows- Piaggio Ape, Bajaj GC 1000 and
Champion Alfa.
No champion Alfa customer has rated mileage as excellent and more number of Alfa
customers has rated mileage as poor as compared to GC1000 and Ape.
Very good rating for mileage by Alfa and Ape are same and more than that of GC 1000
GC 1000 customer has rated mileage as good more than that of Ape and Alfa
respectively.
COMPARISON OF CHAMPION ALFA, APE & BAJAJ GC1000 ON BASIS
OFPICK-UP
COMPANY EXCELLENT VERY GOOD GOOD AVERAGE POOR
ALFA 1 11 9 1 3
APE 0 7 15 3 0
BAJAJ GC1000 2 9 11 2 1
INTERPRETATION:
ITERPRETATION:
All of Alfa, Ape and GC 1000 customer rated consistency nearly same.
None of them has rated consistency as poor.
Ape and GC 1000 customer has rated consistency as excellent.
A very good rating for consistency goes on increasing from GC 1000, Alfa to
Ape.
INTERPRETATION:
Alfa and GC 1000 has more load bearing capacity as compared to Ape.
Except Alfa no another customer has rated load bearing capacity as poor.
Ape customer has rated load bearing capacity as average more compared to Alfa
and GC 1000
No GC 1000 customer has rated load bearing capacity as excellent as compared
to Alfa and Ape respectively.
Ratings for behaviour of dealer goes on decreasing from Alfa, Ape to GC 1000
respectively.
Only Ape customer has rated behaviour of dealer as excellent and no Ape
customer has rated it as very good.
Alfa customer has rated behaviour of dealer as very good and good, more than
that of GC 1000 and Ape.
Number of Alfa customer who has rated behaviour of dealer as average is less
as compared to GC 1000 and Ape.
Vehicle Yes No
Alfa 21 4
Ape 24 1
GC 1000 20 5
INTERPRETATION:
VEHICLE YES NO
ALFA 2 23
APE 0 25
GC1000 2 23
INTERPRETATION:
VEHICLE YES NO
ALFA 2 23
APE 10 15
GC1000 12 13
INTERPRETATION:
More incentive for sales person so as salesperson will try to maximize sales in order to
get more Incentive.
Advertisement at local level such as radio, local NEWS paper hoardings ad by
distributing leaflets. Many three wheeler owners don’t get time to watch T.V. Hence such
customer should be targeted.
Mechanic training and making them aware of company’s product. Mechanic will help
to increase sell of company’s product as he
play’ s the role of influencer.
Mechanic training at various places and opening authorized
Service center. Generally three wheeler owner’s want their vehicle to
get serviced immediately. They don’t want to give their vehicle for
service for a day or two at dealer outlet. This service if provided will
help to increase the sell of vehicle.
Spare parts should be made available in market. During servicing or break down of
vehicle if spare parts are made available, will increase customer satisfaction and
indirectly to have a good word of mouth about vehicle.
Daily report from sales person Sales person will be bounded to work regularly and will
work sincerely.
More discounts. After giving discounts on Alfa there is a price difference of Rs-2000
between Ape and Alfa. So more discounts should be given in order to shorten price gap.
Network Marketing through existing customer. Only three sales person for whole of
Nasik district. Network marketing will help to increase sell by
giving some gifts or money to existing customer who brings or help to sell a
vehicle.
Leaflets to be distributed during exchange mela or demo show should be in local
language only. People are able to understand the features given in leaflet more effectively
in local language rather than in English language.
Leaflet to be distributed should contain contact number of the sales
person of that area. People will be able to contact sales person directly.
Vehicle name should be highlighted on vehicle as Ape is doing so by highlighting name
“Piaggio Ape” on door’s. This will help to recognize vehicle easily and customer’s will
come to know about vehicle easily.
It should not be made compulsory for sales person to give finance of a
particular finance company to customer. Consumer’s are having knowledge
of various finance and their rate of interest. If given choice of only
one finance they tend to switch to competitors product, if they consider rate
of interest high.
Contact number of area sales manager of company should be displayed at showroom
or given to customer when demanded. Customer can directly contact to area sales
manager if his problems are not solved at dealer outlet.
CHAPTER V
5.1 FINDING & CONCLUSION
Piaggio Ape sale is more as compared to that of Champion Alfa and Bajaj GC 1000.
Low sales of Alfa is mainly due to it’s more price and late launch as compared to Ape.
Ape customers perceive it as a good vehicle and vehicle which has given good value.
This result in good word of mouth which helps to increase it’s sale.
Customer perceive Alfa a good vehicle due to Mahindra brand associated with it..
Reduction in price of Alfa is main strategy to increase it’s sale.
Main use of three wheeler buyed is for agricultural product transportation and for
giving it on hire. Very few people buy it for private use.
5.2 BLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS REFERRED:
WEBSITES REFFERRED:
www.mahindra.com
www.tatamotors.com
www.bajajauto.com
http://auto.indiamart.com
ANNEXURE VI
Questionnaire
Customer Satisfaction Survey for Three Wheeler Segment:-
Name :-
Address :-
Contact No.:-
Which Three Wheeler do you own?
a) Champion Alfa b) Piaggio Ape c) Bajaj GC 1000
Which kind of ownership do you have?
a) First Hand b) Second Hand
For how many years you are using the vehicle?
a) 0 to 1 year b) 1to 2 year c) 2to 3 year d) 3 and above
Mileage given by the vehicle-
From where did you get information about this vehicle?
Advertisement b) Friend c) Mechanic d) Any other-
How will you rate following factors concerned with vehicle?
You own-
Mileage-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Consistency-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Pick up-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Load bearing capacity-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Maintenance-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Price-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Availability of spare parts-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Cost of Spare parts-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Service by dealers-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Behaviour of dealers-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
Aesthetics-
1) Excellent 2) Very good 3) Good 4) Average 5) Poor
11. Will you suggest the same vehicle to your Friend? Yes / No
If Yes,
Name of your Friend-
Contact number -
12. Any Suggestion (Modification) regarding the vehicle?
13. Make of Vehicle-
14. Whether vehicle is loan free- Yes/No