In sport, politics or general market trends, single handed domination is not something one looks forward to or expects at least nowadays because of cut throat competition and also a wide array of audience with varying tastes. But a good performance cannot be ignored nor can it be taken lightly. Tiger Woods in golf, Roger Federer in tennis and Maruti Suzuki sales figures in India. All of them can best be described using a single adjective – dominance! Even the harshest of critics cannot complain when year after year, with varied opposition and changing trends, you still manage to maintain the number one position. Sports aside, the dynamic and fluctuating Indian automotive market is a different ball game altogether and Maruti Suzuki deserves all the accolades and more. Still not convinced? Read on for jaw-dropping figures.
Maruti Suzuki sold a whopping 764,842 vehicles in 2007-08. This is the highest ever in the history of the company. The growth rate from the previous year will be 13.3%. There is another highest ever for this market leader this year – exports stood at 53, 024, with a growth rate of 34.9% from the previous year.
Apart from the impressive sales figures for 2007-08, the company also unveiled the Concept A-Star at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, created jointly by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation. They have shown a clear interest and the value of good R & D, by increasing the number of engineers from 269 to 430. The Alto cemented its place as India’s top selling car, where 227,173 units were sold this year. This also makes the Alto sales cross 2 lakhs for the second consecutive year. The company was rated first in Customer Satisfaction for the eighth year in a row in the annual survey conduced by J D Power Asia Pacific. To continue with the long list of accolades, Maruti Suzuki was awarded the Nikkei Monozukuri Award for the Manesar Plant for its technological advancement and quality control, the World Environment Foundation’s Golden Peacock Award for excellence in environment management, performance and quality awards for products and several Manufacturer of the Year awards instituted by automobile expert groups and media houses. Do we need to say more! Simply the leader by a mile.
The company launched the SX4, Grand Vitara and DZire this year, making it seven new models in three years. A clear indication that they are in no mood to slow down and thus a lot to look forward to. The company has sold 64, 421 units in the domestic market in March 2008 alone. With an increased export growth, Maruti Suzuki has tied up with Adani Group for a mega car terminal at Mundra port which would be operational by year end.
The facts and figures would appeal to all, but the most appealing attitude of Maruti Suzuki is their impressive foresight, the relentless drive and hunger to remain at the top. Resting on their laurels is a phrase that they do not possess in their vocabulary. With such an outlook and demeanor, their position on top is well deserved and fit for emulation. Many organisations arrive with a lot of fanfare, gusto and a very well respected heritage from over the world, but still unable to lay claim to the mantle and dethrone the leader.
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