Project Report Main
Project Report Main
Project Report Main
INTRODUCTION
The organizational structure refers to the formal configuration between individuals and
the group with respect to the allocation of task, responsibilities and authorities within
organization. The frame work of an organization is the structure, where in the job of each and
every person is defined and coordinated to achieve the organizational goal. It depicts the
authority and responsibility relationship between the various positions in the organization by
showing who reports to whom. So an organizational study is essential to know and understand
the various functions, responsibilities and authorities in an organization. This study is based on
an automobile Dealer who operates across south and central parts of Kerala. The study includes
the hierarchy of different departments, their functions and other activities that the organization
undergoes.
Automobile dealers are the link between the manufacturer of the automobile and the consumer.
With their large inventories of cars, dealers provide consumers with a wide array of vehicles to
meet their needs at different price points. The automobile dealer industry sells most of the
automobiles, light trucks, and vans that operate on the road today. Sales of these vehicles are
subject to changing consumer tastes, the popularity of the manufacturer's vehicle models, and
the intensity of competition with other dealers. Along with the sale of the car, most dealers also
sell additional automobile-related services to potential buyers. These services include extended
warranties, undercoating, insurance, and financing. Aftermarket sales departments sell these
services and other merchandise after vehicle salespersons have closed a deal. Sales of these
packages greatly increase the revenue generated for each vehicle sold. Because sales of
automobiles fluctuate significantly, automotive dealers offer generous incentives, rebates, and
financing deals during slow periods to maintain high sales volumes and to reduce inventories.
INDUSTRY PROFILE
Following economic liberalization in India in 1991, the Indian automotive industry has
demonstrated sustained growth as a result of increased competitiveness and relaxed
restrictions. Several Indian automobile manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Maruti
Suzuki and Mahindra and Mahindra, expanded their domestic and international
operations. India's robust economic growth led to the further expansion of its
domestic automobile market which attracted significant India-specific investment by
multinational automobile manufacturers. In February 2009 , monthly sales of passenger
cars in India exceeded 100,000 units.
India has emerged as one of the world's largest manufacturers of small cars.
According to New York Times, India's strong engineering base and expertise in the
manufacturing of low-cost, fuel-efficient cars has resulted in the expansion of manufacturing
facilities of several automobile companies like Hyundai
Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Suzuki.
In 2008, Hyundai Motors alone exported 240,000 cars made in India. Nissan Motors plans to
export 250,000 vehicles manufactured in its India plant by 2011. Similarly, General Motors
announced its plans to export about 50,000 cars manufactured in India by 2011.
In September 2009, Ford Motors announced its plans to setup a plant in India with an annual
capacity of 250,000 cars for US$500 million. The cars will be manufactured both for the Indian
market and for export. The company said that the plant was a part of its plan to make India the
hub for its global production business. Fiat Motors also announced that it would source more
than US$1 billion worth auto components from India. According to Bloomberg L.P., in 2009
India surpassed China as Asia's fourth largest exporter of cars
Suzuki Motor Corp., Hyundai Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co. are making India a hub for
overseas sales of minicars as incentives lift demand for smaller, fuel-efficient autos. Helped by
cheaper labor and a surging local market, India this year overtook China in auto exports and is
challenging Thailand and South Korea as an alternative production center in Asia.
Hyundai, South Korea’s biggest carmaker, plans to export 300,000 cars from India this year,
more than its sales in the local market, a first since setting up a plant a decade back.
Goods and services. The automobile dealer industry sells most of the automobiles, light
trucks, and vans that operate on the road today. Sales of these vehicles are subject to changing
consumer tastes, the popularity of the manufacturer's vehicle models, and the intensity of
competition with other dealers. Along with the sale of the car, most dealers also sell additional
automobile-related services to potential buyers. These services include extended warranties,
undercoating, insurance, and financing. Aftermarket sales departments sell these services and
Industry organization. The automobile dealer industry is comprised of two segments. New
car dealers, often called franchised dealers, primarily sell new cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs),
and passenger and cargo vans. These franchised dealers sell and lease vehicles manufactured by
a particular company—which may include several brands. Used car dealers comprise the other
segment of the industry, and are sometimes referred to as independent dealers. These dealers sell
a variety of vehicles that have been previously owned or formerly rented and leased.
Improvements in technology have increased the durability and longevity of new cars, raising the
number of high-quality used cars that are available for sale. Used car dealers by definition do not
sell new cars, but most new car dealers do sell some used cars.
According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, new vehicle sales account for more
than half of total sales revenue at franchised new car and new truck dealers. These sales also
generate additional revenue in other departments of new car dealers, which are more profitable to
the dealer. By putting new vehicles on the road, dealers can count on new repair and service
customers and future trade-ins of used vehicles.
Independent used car dealers usually have smaller staffs than their franchised counterparts. Most
are stand-alone dealers, but increasingly nationwide companies are opening large superstores
across the country. These large used car and truck dealers typically contract out warranty and
other service-related work to other dealers or to satellite service facilities.
There has been a recent decline in the leasing of cars. With a car lease, a customer makes
monthly payments for the use of a vehicle over a period of time, after which the vehicle is
usually returned to the dealer. The major domestic car makers have cut back their leasing
programs significantly, instead focusing on new car sales. Leasing is still expected to play a role
in many new car dealers’ business plans in the coming years, however.
The increased use of the Internet to market new and used cars and light trucks has also had a
significant impact on automobile dealers. Through the Internet, consumers can easily access
vehicle reviews; view pictures of vehicles; and compare models, features, and prices. Many Web
sites allow consumers to research insurance, financing, leasing, and warranty options. As a
result, consumers are generally better informed and spend less time meeting with salespersons.
COMPANY PROFILE
Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd. was formed during the year 1983 to carry out the
dealership of Maruti Udyog Ltd. A showroom and service centre was first established in
Trivandrum subsequently another dealership was allotted by MUL in Kochi and gradually
Popular Vehicles established Sales and Service branches all over Kerala.
Besides Maruti, Popular Vehicles got dealership for Bajaj and their Three Wheeler vehicles at
Ernakulam District and at Bangalore during the year 1995. Popular Vehicles was also the
dealer for DCM Toyota for LCVs from 1984 till the company seized to operate.
Mr. Saju K.Thomas was managing the entire dealership operations of Popular Vehicles right
from its inception. Popular Vehicles established four regional marketing centers , six service
centers for Maruti vehicles and selling around 8000 vehicles and servicing 75000 vehicles
per annum. Popular Vehicles is the largest dealer for Maruti vehicles at the national level.
Maruti Udyog Ltd. has given many awards to Popular Vehicles during the course of its
existence. Popular is consistently reach either first position or runner-up for the technical
skill contest conducted by Maruti Udyog and last couple of years they are in the first
position to marketing skill competition.
Similarly due to the excellent performance of D.C.M. Toyota’s Dealership, Toyota Motor
Corporation invited Mr. Saju K. Thomas to take up a Dealership for their products when
they established a new company in India for Toyota Automobiles . Accordingly during the
year 1999 a new company by name Motor World Ltd. was established and the Dealership
business was commenced from January 2000 at Bangalore.
During the year 2002 Mr. Saju K. Thomas separated from the Kuttukaran Group and
established his own business under the name “Popular Group” which consist of the
following Companies.
This company was incorporated during the year 1999 to manage the dealership of Toyota
Kirlosker Motor Ltd. for their entire range of products in the districts of Bangalore ,Mysore
and Mandya. The company has commenced its business operations in January 2000.
STRUCTURE
HMIL’s fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts of the most
advanced production, quality and testing capabilities in the country. To cater to rising demand,
HMIL commissioned its second plant in February 2008, which produces an additional
300,000 units per annum, raising HMIL’s total production capacity to 600,000 units per annum.
As HMC’s global export hub for compact cars, HMIL is the first automotive company in
India to achieve the export of 10 lakh cars in just over a decade. HMIL currently exports
cars to more than 110 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and
Australia. It has been the number one exporter of passenger car of the country for the sixth year
in a row.To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has a 290 strong dealer
One of the Elite Hyundai Dealerships in the country operating across central and south Kerala
covering the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alapuzha, Kollam and
Thiruvananthapuram. Objective of Popular Hyundai is to be a single window solution for all car
buyers, be it buying, selling or servicing cars, or catering to customer needs of finance,
insurance, accessories etc., with the ultimate aim of providing the best car ownership
experience for one and all.
PRODUCT PROFILE
MODEL VARIANT
Accent Hyundai Accent Executive
Hyundai Accent Executive LPG
Getz Prime 1.3 GLS
Asta
1.4 Asta AT
Santro Santro Non A/C
Santro GL
Santro GLS
Santro GL LPG
Our Service Centre is outfitted with the state-of-the art equipment and is update with
Hyundai's challenging world standards. Our qualified and trained technical team, with an
extensive storage of Hyundai genuine spares, is capable of providing constant support to
maintain your dream machines
VISION
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1. OBJECTIVES
2. METHODOLOGY
Both primary and secondary data are used and analyzed for the study.
Data collection: This study is conducted by collecting data from both primary
and secondary sources. The primary data are collected through personal interview
and observation methods. The secondary data are collected from different articles,
journals, books and internet
3. PERIOD OF STUDY
The study has been conducted at POPULAR MOTOR WORLD PVT LTD,
VYTILLA during the period May 05, 2010 to June 05 , 2010.
4. SCOPE OF STUDY
The study is confined to gain some knowledge about the culture and structure of
the organization and the functions of various departments of POPULAR MOTOR
WORLD PVT. LTD.,VYTILLA which is the head office for various branches.
DEPARTMENTAL ANALYSIS
Finance and Accounts Department deals with the matters like raising of funds, funds
management, finalization of the quarterly accounts, preparation of the profit and loss account and
balance sheet of the company etc.
The finance department is headed by head-finance and consists of 15 staff member including
deputy manager and assistant manager. The main function of the finance department is arranging
working capital finance and long term loans. Working capital is used for purchasing vehicles,
spare parts and accessories while term loan care used for expanding the infrastructure. The
working capital is borrowed from different banks. Short term borrowing is also there in the form
of inventory funding from various finance companies. Presently the total working capital is more
than 100 crores. The term loans are generally taken for 5 year periods.
Every branch is a separate profit centre and maintains separate accounts. There are separate
staffs for accounting in each branch. The department prepares monthly performance report which
is sent to head office for analyzing the operational results. There will be a performance review
meeting every month to evaluate branch performance. The monthly reports from branches are
consolidated at the head office to know the overall result of the company.
There is a separate department under Finance and Accounts department which deals with
matters like ordering vehicles and spares. A separate person is appointed for this purpose. It is
his duty to do the branch wise stock analysis and place the order. The Sales and Spares
Departments send their inventory status to the Finance Department .All the procurement is done
by the Finance Department depending on the present need and the funds available. Hyundai has
made a policy not to sell cars on credit. Cars are sold only on payment being made by dealer. As
a result they have tie ups with different banks. ICICI provides a credit up to 350 lakhs. When
the dealer makes purchase of cars, it is known as placing the indent. Finance is raised through
banks, who give credit. These banks transfer the specific amount to the company's account on
Sales Team
Annual meetings are held in the presence of MD. The performance of each showroom is
evaluated in this meeting. Targets for the next one year will set in this meeting. This targets are
then allotted to each branch. Monthly targets for each Showroom is then set by the Showroom
Managers depending on the resources available to him.
Showroom enquiries:-
All customer enquiries coming to the showroom will be attended by the Front Office Executives.
Lobby executive receives the customer and offers him a seat and also ensue refreshments. The
front office staff then meets the customer tries to understand his requirements and accordingly
gives him a preliminary information sheet that contains the price details of the requested model.
If necessary, finance executives will be called upon to explain about loan details. Customer
details will be noted down in the enquiry book and passed on to respective supervisor who in
turn allocates it to the concerned Sales Officer.
Customer requesting for Performa Invoice will be provided with Performa Invoice and details of
finance scheme options. Performa invoice is raised in three copies. Two copies will be given to
the customer and one copy is retained in the file. The lobby executive is responsible for
arranging posters and flowers in the showroom. The neatness of the cars displayed in the
showroom is also the responsibility of the lobby executive.
The customer can show his intent to purchase a car by paying a token amount called the part
payment. The customer will get priority only when he pays the booking amount. Once the
customer furnishes the booking amount a receipt and order booking form is issued and support
activities are initiated. This order booking form is to be duly filled by the customer for booking
the vehicle. The OBF along with the receipt for booking amount is filed. A unique customer
account code is created at the time of payment. This account code is used for all further
transaction involving the customer.
Indenting, i.e. placing an order in the HMIL is done against customer’s booking. Once the indent
is served by HMIL, vehicle reaches the dealer through truck or trailer after a month. Pre-delivery
inspection of the vehicle is carried out on the vehicle on its arrival. The vehicles are allotted to
the customer based on the priority list in the allotment section. The customer is intimated about
the arrival of his vehicle and informed to pay the balance amount and to bring the documents
required for registration. The customer orders for the required accessories at the Hyundai
Genuine Accessories department and can take the vehicle home after he signs some important
documents like invoice, delivery note etc. in the delivery section.
Allotment:
The PDI section receives the vehicles arriving from the HMIL and a vehicle status report is sent
to the allotment section on a daily basis. The customers are informed as per the priority list
regarding the date of delivery of the vehicle. In case of customers who fail to turn up the
specified date the allotment section initiates a follow up action. Any vehicle, which is to be
delivered ahead of schedule, is to be intimated to the PDI department by the allotment section. A
daily report of vehicle delivery and customer details is to be maintained.
Permanent registration is done for only those vehicles, which come under Trivandrum RTO’s
jurisdiction. In case of permanent registration, the road tax has to be paid along with the
registration. All the other vehicles can only be temporarily registered.
Form 60 – to be submitted by the customer who does not have a PAN card (two
copies).
Issue of trade certificate: the trade certificate is issued to those vehicles, which go for
displays, events or are moved under stock transfer. This is to insure the vehicles
against accidental damage during such transit.
It is the PDI department that receives the lot of vehicles dispatched by HMIL in accordance with
the indents placed. The transportation documents (goods receipt, HMIL invoice from 22 initial
certificate of compliance with pollution standards, safety standards of components and road
worthiness to be issued by manufacturer) are collected and filed from the transporters. The
vehicles after inspection for transit damage are either accepted or returned to HMIL depending
on the status of the vehicle.
A Vehicle Status Register to record the whole process is maintained. Small transits damages are
worked upon at the PDI yard itself, while for serious jobs, the vehicle is sent to the service
station. A job card is opened to estimate the maintenance costs of the vehicles sent to the service
station to correct slight damage that occurred in transit and it is to be claimed from HMIL. PDI is
primarily done on a first-come-first serve basis. Any change in this order can be brought about
only in accordance with a request from the allotment department.
The PDI is carried out on the basis of an inspection car, which in effect functions as a checklist
for assessing the vehicle status. A daily vehicle status report is given to the allotment section,
which in turn schedules the allotment on the basis of this report. A PDI report consisting of the
vehicle condition on receiving, work done upon it and projected delivery time is recorded.
The vehicle status report from the PDI activates the allotment section, payment section,
accessory section and the registration section in an orderly manner. The claims for transit
damages are sent to HMIL with necessary proofs. Supervisory staffs carries on a final inspection
of the vehicle after the registration procedure and before the delivery.
Accordingly vehicles are dispatched to the showroom by the PDI section after ensuring that the
vehicles are fit for delivery in all respects. At the time of delivery, every customer is briefed on
the features/operation of the vehicle and after sale service facilities of the dealership. Documents
The sales satisfaction index (SSI) card is handed over to the customer along with the owner’s
manual.
The registration documents are also handed over to the customer. In case, the registration is
temporary, the documents required for permanent registration are handed over the customer.
In case of hypothecation, a copy of the invoice and a key should be given to the finance
company.
• After Sales Support for new cars: Free service, Warranty Claims..etc
• Provide periodic maintenance for vehicles: Paid Service
• Allied Services: Protective Coating, Carbon Cleaning..etc
• Accidental repairs
• Hyundai Insurance: Policy renewal, New Policy Issue
• 24 hour break down assistance
• Quick repair services
• Hyundai Genuine Accessories and Hyundai Genuine Spare
• Post service follow-up and customer feed back
• Handling of customer complaints
• Handling of warranty
• Service Marketing
Floor operation
There are basically eight teams for carrying out the service/repair of vehicles. They are:
• Two teams for special customers one for free service and the other for quick repair.
• Three teams for accident repair: one for non-claim and the other for claim cases.
Each team consists of a service advisor, a floor supervisor and a group of mechanic. The service
advisor is responsible for vehicle acceptance; allied service sales, job monitoring, vehicle
delivery and post service follow up. An ideal service advisor should possess good
communication skills, technical knowledge and analytical ability. The service advisor holds a
Security personnel for parking guide customers bringing their vehicles. The customer is given a
job slip in which he fills in the vehicle details and the type of service he requires. This job slip
along with the owner’s manual is handed over to the reception staffs, which opens a job order
and hands over the job order to a particular service advisor for accepting the vehicle from
customers. The allotment to service advisor is on a rotation basis such that a balance is
maintained among the teams in each section.
The service advisor asks the customer what service the vehicle requires, he test drives the vehicle
to find out any other defects/repairs he may notice and enter it on the job order, he then notes the
damages, shortages and accessories if any. Service advisor shall discuss and explain to the
customer regarding service/repairs are also entered in the job order. Service advisor then issues a
copy of the job order to the customer after getting signature from customer agreeing for the
conditions on the job order.
An entry is made into the supervisors register regarding the vehicle details and the job to be
done. Service advisor hands over the job order to the floor supervisor. The floor supervisor is
briefed about the repairs the customer has requested. The floor supervisor has the responsibility
to manage the work according to the availability of lifts and mechanics. After allotting the job to
mechanic the allotment time and name of mechanic is entered into the register.
A team of three lifts, servicing and repairs shall be carried out as per job order by a mechanic
under the respective supervisor according to the maintenance schedule, service manuals, service
circulars of HMIL. spare parts that are required are obtained from the store on producing a parts
requisition slip and the job card. Service advisor contacts customers for carrying out any extra
work noticed during repairs for obtaining consent and for informing the extra cost/time involved
and records it on the job order.
After completion of work, the service advisor enters the labor amount in the computer the job
order is handed over to the final inspector who carries out final inspection as per the procedure.
4. Check functioning of :
d. Door operation
7. Enter in register
8. If any defect is observed send back vehicle for rework to the supervisor concerned
After “Final Inspection Done” is stamped on the job order, the job order is signed by the Final
Inspector and given back to the Supervisor. Non-conformities if any observed during final
inspections are noted on the job order and the vehicle is returned to the same supervisor for
rectification. The vehicle is again handed over for Final inspection after the work is done who in
turn hands it over to the front office after necessary verification.
Customers bringing their vehicles are guided by security for parking. Receptionist in front office
opens a job order in duplicate and hands over the job order to service advisors in charge of
accident repair for accepting the vehicle from customers.
The service advisor does a complete inspection of the vehicle subjected to accident. He informs
the customer about the condition of the vehicle and also about the required replacement and
repair work. The service advisor prepares an estimated cost of repairs that includes cost of parts
to be replaced and labor charges after consulting with the mechanic. The customer is required to
claim for insurance for which he has to fill a motor insurance claim form. He should also submit
one copy each of driving license, R.C. book and insurance certificate that are the documents
required for insurance claim.
The surveyor of the concerned insurance company inspects the vehicle for damage and gives the
actual cost for damage rectification. The claim is settled within two to three days and the
accident repair section will start the repair work of the vehicle.
The spare parts department is a key segment and profit centre of the dealership
operation. There are certain prime reasons which attribute to such identification:
The company have had personal experience in managing their spare parts department.
Many have not and rely on managers/supervisors for this important activity of dealership
operation. Either way, a productive spare parts operation requires leadership.
Wherever no such leader is available or guidance is provided, the dealership can often
find problems due to:
It aim to contribute to the growth and profitability of PWM by enabling High performance
management empowerment of employees and knowledge management while maintaining the
highest level of customer satisfaction, both internal and external.
a) In-house Data bank: The Human Resources Department maintains a data bank of all
received applications. Whenever there is a requirement for a new recruitment, Human
Resources will first scrutinize the in-house data bank to find suitable candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.
f ) Web Recruitment: Company will recruit through the company website and other
job sites.
The Human Resources Department will interview the short listed candidates. The interview
panel will consist of the Department Head, Profit Centre Head and Human Resources Head. The
Human Resources Head in consultation with the Dept. Head / Profit Centre Head will be
responsible for fixation of salary.
Joining Formalities
Along with the Human Resources Department, the new employee needs to complete all the
joining formalities. When a new employee joins the organization the following forms need to be
filled and submitted:-
• Joining Report
• Tax Saving form - For the personal file of the employee, the following documents
should be submitted on the day of joining :-
In case of any change in personal records, the employee must inform the Human Resources
Department, in writing so that his records can be updated. Such changes in the personal data
would include:-
• Birth of children
3.Administration
Their main duty is to maintain records for future reference. It also includes the Leave policy,
Transfer policy and Separation policy.
Leave Entitlement
1. Regular employees will be eligible for 12 days casual leave, 12 days sick leave and 12 days
privilege leave. These days of leave can be utilized by them in the year in which the leave
entitlement occurred.
2. In the case of employees on probation, during the period of probation, they will be entitled to
12 days casual leave and 12 days sick leave only. On completion of the probationary period and
in the event of their confirmation, they will be entitled to privilege leave of 12 days which they
can utilize during the period of service following such confirmation (This means that if an
employee has one year probationary period and he is confirmed in his service, on confirmation
12 days privilege leave will be added in his credit. If the probation is for two years, 24 days leave
will be accumulated in his credit on confirmation).
Public Holidays
The company will provide 13 National and festival holidays in a calendar year. The list of
holidays will be declared at the beginning of the calendar year. Alternatively the company may
substitute another day in the same calendar year to be observed as a holiday in place of an
official public holiday.
Transfer Policy
The company reserves the right to transfer an employee considering the various organizational
requirements. The employee will be informed in writing regarding the transfer and other relevant
information like reporting authority, responsibilities etc.
Separation Policy
If an employee feels like leaving the organization, we expect him to come and discuss the areas
of concerns with his superior. This provides the management an opportunity to remedy the
situation, clear up any communication gap and exhaust all possible solutions before concluding
that resignation is in the best interest of both the parties.
The employee is required to submit a resignation in writing. The employee must inform the
Human Resources Department of his new address for communicating with and sending of
relieving letter. The employee is required to submit a No Due Certificate signed by the Profit
Centre Head to Human Resources Department for settling the full and final settlement of dues.
4.Training
The Human Resource department consists of 2 Asst.Managers for the training process. One
Asst.Manager is for Sales Department and the other for Service department .The duty of these
trainers include give training to the new employees and also to the existing employees when new
technology and models comes into the market. The training process helps the sales as well as the
service departments in gaining confidence to achieve their targets. Classes are conducted to help
the employees to handle the stress while working.
SR.MANAGER IT
MANAGER
ASST.MNGR
ASST.MNGR
EDP Manager generally review and approve all systems charts and programs prior to their
implementation. He may also spend much time with the analysts
working out the requirements of a proposed job, defining the problem and developing the
program. If the Manager is not directly responsible for new programs, he is usually consulted
about the data operations or other aspects of a new program, and may confer with programmers
and analysts regarding program problems that arise during a machine run.
CASE ANALYSIS
The competition in this segment is very high compared to other segments. A wide variety of
options are available in front of the customer when he thinks of buying a new car. The Hyundai
i10 comes under the compact car segment or otherwise called as the hatchback segment. The
major players in this segment are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata. The table below shows the
Market Share in compact cars.
In April-November 2009, the overall market has grown more than 21 per cent, according to
SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers). And the hatchback segment propelled by
new launches such as Maruti’s Ritz, Hyundai’s i20, Honda’s Jazz and Fiat’s Grande Punto, has
grown about 27 per cent. That seems the perfect setting for the newcomers, which are also
coming in with sizeable production capacities and distribution networks, and with an eye out
for greater share of local parts. The incumbents, meanwhile, are not yielding an inch, making for
a grand face-off.
Numbers provided by J.D. Power and Associates show that in 2007(January-November), the
share of the Rs 4-lakh-plus cars of the overall small-car market was 29.2 per cent. In 2008,it
moved up to 39.2 per cent in the same period. This is despite the fact that in 2008 the second half
saw the auto industry taking the full brunt of the economic slowdown .In 2009 , the share has
crossed 43 per cent .And in 2010, the share of the Rs 4-lakhs-plus cars could cross 50 per cent of
overall small car market. There is a plausible reasoning behind that. In the second half of 2008,
the auto industry took body blows from the economic slowdown .Now with the economy
stabilizing , it could well be argued that consumers would not mind stretching their purses a
little and going in for a high-priced hatchback.
By January 2010 more number of players entered into the market. Volkswagen with their
hatchback POLO, GM with the new Chevrolet BEAT and Ford with FIGO. This increases the
level of competition . Despite having deep pockets none of the global majors might play a price
war game yet. ”We are entering the small segment for the first time in India. We lack the
experience ,” says Neeraj Garg, director at Volkswagen India, which has invested €580 million
in a new facility at Chakan near Pune to make 110,000 small cars.”We have to learn customer
expectations first.”The company has 40 dealers now, and is expanding. Its Polo will be made
available in both petrol and diesel variants, and is being benchmarked on price and features to
the leaders of the upper end of the segment, Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20.
The most experienced of the three in India currently, GM India ,is placing its Chevrolet Beat a
tier lower in terms of price ,against the 4-5 lakh priced Hyundai i10 and Maruti Suzuki Ritz.
Clearly, experience has taught GM the value of aggressive pricing in India.” It is not about the
absolute price for most customers , but the package for one’s money”, says Karl Slym, managing
Ford India , meanwhile , has put $500 million into a new 100,000 units-a-year line in Chennai
.”Figo will be offered bang in the middle of the small car market with an attractive cost of
ownership,”.
Total cost of ownership(TCO), in fact ,has become a watchword.”Ticket price was more
important earlier,” says Jagidish Khattar, former head of Maruti Suzuki, who now runs Carnation
Auto ,a car servicing company .”TCO is coming now “.Maturing Indian consumers are not
willing to fall for an attractive price alone ,and consider service and spare parts expenses, as
well as resale values, before buying a car.
Localization o f content is another area that all the companies are working on. It is here
relatively new entrants such as Skoda Auto have struggled. Skoda’s Fabia, one of the best
hatchbacks around , has suffered low sales largely because servicing and replacing of spares is
expensive.
Companies such as Ford and GM have an advantage in this area, as they have been around in
India for long and have had time to develop long-term supplier relationships. Ford’s Figo will
have local content of 85 per cent, enough to give it significant pricing leverage. GM’s Beat is
starting with 60 per cent local content, with the company shooting for 80 per cent in about six
months. Volkswagen’s Polo will come to the market with 50 per cent local content. These big
firms will need all their resources ,pluck and some luck to break the fort of Indian auto’s holy
triad , Maruti, Hyundai and Tata Motors.
Price plays an important role . Price along with after sales service are factors on which the
customer take his purchase decision .It is this price and the after sales service which helps Maruti
Suzuki to continue on its first position in market share. The success of Maruti Suzuki is that they
can provide the customer with all those features the customer demand in an affordable price.
Tata Motors is also competent to Maruti Suzuki in the matter of pricing .But their low customer
satisfaction , resale value and comfort takes them down the line. Hyundai Motor delivers good
quality vehicles which helps them to stand on the second position even though its price is a little
high compared to Tata. The low number of authorized service outlets and the slightly higher
price compared to Maruti Suzuki may be the factors which kept them in the second position in
case of market share. The table below shows the ex-showroom price of different models in the
compact car segment.
Showroom courtesy is one of the main factors which affect the present day sales. A bad
showroom courtesy may affect the present sale and the future sales badly. Because a costumer
who purchases a vehicle from a showroom can act as a brand promoter. He may refer the dealer
to his friends and relatives or can prefer the same dealer when he wants to upgrade his vehicle at
a latter point of time. For all the above things to happen the dealers should maintain a good level
of showroom courtesy. A great number of sales may be lost due bad showroom courtesy. The
subject of customer retention, loyalty, and churn is receiving attention in many industries. This is
important in the customer lifetime value context. A company will have a sense of how much is
really being lost because of the customer churn and the scale of the efforts that would be
appropriate for retention campaign. The mass marketing approach cannot succeed in the
diversity of consumer business today. Customer value analysis along with customer churn
predictions will help marketing programs target more specific groups of customers. The
showroom staffs must be well trained to attend the customer.
As the competition rises offers and discounts started playing a greater role in sales. Companies
started giving certain offers and also discounts for their products. In earlier times a customer who
purchases vehicle might get some free service schemes along with his vehicle. At present
everything has changed, the first question which the customer asks you must be “Do you have
Factors like availability of model and colour ,then exchange value ,finance options ,friends
and relatives referral ,and better performance like style, mileage ,comfort ,space etc.
Customers used to visit more than one showroom before purchasing a vehicle. So the above
mentioned factors can make an impact on sale. If he find a particular model or color which he
prefer to buy is not available he may move to another dealer where he can get the preferred
things. Finance and exchange value too have the similar impact in creating sales. Friend and
relatives referral comes under the customer retention.
DATA COLLECTION
A sample survey was conducted. The survey was conducted among 200 customers who had
made an enquiry for Hyundai i10 at Popular Hyundai during the last 3 months. A questionnaire
was formulated showing some of the common reasons which the customer say(see Annexure ).
Data collection was through the telephone. Customers who made enquiries for Hyundai i10 were
called. As the data collection is via telephone I made the conversation informal , which helps me
in gathering more information.
The table below shows the number of customers which were converted to other brands. Out of
this 200 customers 45 customers purchased the vehicle from other dealers of Hyundai.
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
From Chart 1 we can find that out of the 200 customers 45 customers choose other dealers of
Hyundai for purchasing vehicle. This is one of the case which can cause damage to the business
.All this customers were willing to buy i10 or they can be called as the true customers. These
enquires could be converted into sales if little more care was given. If we check chart 3 we can
30
25
20
15
10
The other main reasons which the customers told were availability of model and colour and
discounts and offers . Sometimes it may not be possible for a dealer to keep all the colours with
him. The dealers always prefer to keep the colours which have more number of enquires. The
SWOT ANALYSIS
• Unified activity
WEAKNESS
OPPORTUNITIES
• Good infrastructure
THREATS
The Company is the authorized dealer for HYUNDAI MOTORS for South and Central
Kerala. The activities of the Company range over interests in Automobile Trading, Servicing,
Hire Purchase, Leasing and Allied Activities. Dealership has its branches in South and
Central Kerala. It’s an ISO 9001:2008 company.
It was really a great experience learning all the functions of the various departments over
there. The main benefit of the study was that I could learn the basic customer transactions
that are related to passenger vehicle sales. It was a wonderful experience being a part of an
organization and to work along with them. There is high competition from Maruti Suzuki and
other dealers of Hyundai Motors, but because of the strong business strategies followed by
Popular Motor World , they are at the top. The main issue which the company is facing is
regarding the conversion of enquires into sales, a certain per cent of the enquiry is lost to its
competitors which I have reported in detail in the report above. Inspite of these issues
company is moving forwarding smoothly.
Kamala, T.N. & Doreswamy, A.G. (2007). Strategies for Enhancing Competitiveness of Indian
Auto Component Industries. Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
URL
www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aO9LxvSmKTzE.May 20,2010.
www.popularhyundai.com/.May 7, 2010
www.hyundai.com/in/en/main/.May 7,2010.
www.marutisuzuki.com/May 15,2010.