Maruti Suzuki aims for 10 per cent growth in FY-15; expects boost from rural sales

Maruti Suzuki is aiming to achieve 10 per cent growth in FY-15 (April 2014-March 2015) as compared   to 4-5 per cent growth that the industry is aiming to achieve. To achieve such a phenomenal number, the Indo-Japanese has moved its focus to rural areas and has adapted various strategies to achieve its goal.    

We had reported in December that the Indo-Japanese manufacturer had outlined a plan to make its presence felt in over one lakh villages and it appears that the company is sticking with this policy. Rather than waiting for customers to visit showrooms, it has begun to reach out to them and conduct exchange programmes. While the numbers from each village will be quite small, an overall figure should give Maruti the boost it needs. As a part of its plan to reach out to rural customers it divided up them into target groups, 372 to be specific and in FY-14 gained 65,000 additional customers thanks to this approach.

Maruti's nearest rivals, Hyundai and Honda are believed to be working on similar strategies for a reach in rural areas but they will have their work cut out for them as Maruti Suzuki seems to be just a step ahead. 

It has been a tough year for the auto industry thanks to a plethora of factors. Negative sentiments coupled with a high rate of inflation kept most buyers away from showrooms forcing companies to adapt new ways to make their numbers. Now with the election results declared and a new Prime Minster about to wear his armour we hope that the situation will change for everyone.