VG Automobiles was appointed as the authorized distributors of Suzuki India’s motorcycles and scooters for Nepal a few months ago. Ichiro Kondo, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt Ltd (SMIPL), was recently in Nepal to support the new distributor and to maintain better relations with the company.  Kondo spoke to Sujan Tiwari of New Business Age about SMIPL’s future endeavours in Nepal. Excerpts:

 

What is the purpose of you visit?

This is my first time in Nepal, and this visit is basically to develop better business relation with SMIPL’s new authorized distributor VG Automobiles.  Also when I am here, I will get to know the prospect of our product here in Nepal. But more than anything, the intention of my visit is to demonstrate the presence of Suzuki in Nepal, and to support our new distributors.   

 

What is Suzuki India’s Market share in Nepal? Are there any plans to further increase it? 

The current market share is quite less, and it hovers at around 1 to 2 per cent. We are working with Vishal Group to penetrate the market and boost our share. Vishal Group and SMIPL will work together to provide better services and spares very soon.  We currently have three models of motorcycles and two scooters in Nepali market. We will be launching new Suzuki models in the Nepali market in 2014 which will help us to be in a better position. 

 

How important is Nepali market for Suzuki?

 Nepal is a very important market for us. The Indian operations of Suzuki started in April 2006. In this time, we have grown to a certain volume in India in terms of vehicle production. We have the same models of motorcycles in India and in Nepal. We see huge potential for Suzuki motorcycles in Nepal. We are not presenting all the segments as of now. We are only offering 110 cc, 125 cc and 150 cc motorcycles and 125 cc scooters for now. That means we have a lot of vacant segments. Our target is to cover up those vacant segments in Nepal. Our 2014 line-up of new products will fill those vacant segments. We are looking forward to expand our network in India, and with the same vision, we will do it in Nepal as well. 

 

 Are there any specific strategies for growth?

As our new distributor, Vishal Group has been doing well and searching for new ways to secure better position in Nepali market. We are going to grow our network, and there will be complete automated workshop in all of the networks. We will also make genuine Suzuki spare parts available along with service. If spares are not readily available, customers hesitate to buy the vehicles. Also, we will make sure that spares will be offered at a competitive price. 

 

Why customers should choose Suzuki motorcycles over other brands?

Suzuki has been always known for its performance. For example, GS 150 comes with a very smooth engine and riding also very comfortable and well tunes. The bike suits the Nepali terrain, hilly roads and rough roads. The torque is high so you don’t have to shift gears frequently, and it is very beneficial for long drives. If one compares GS 150 with other 150 cc bikes, the difference can be easily known.  Our other products offer certain benefits too. 

 

What is your message to your potential customers?

I just want to request the customers to come to our showroom and test ride our motorcycles. We are trying to offer the best products in Nepal. Make a selection only after trying all the products available in the market.