NGK Spark Plugs is one major auto component manufacturing company which mainly develops spark plugs, and supplies them to various other carmakers. The company's vision is to create awareness regarding this particular auto component in India. The detailed conversation with the company's Deputy G.M. Aftermarket Technical Service, Mr. Takahiro Matsurra, revealed lot about their marketing plans to penetrate in the Indian market.
Q1.What is your perception of the Indian auto market?
Ans-Indian market is growing at a very fast pace and we see lot of opportunities lying here. So, we are considering regular investment in the market.
Q2. Till date, how has been the company's investment in the Indian car market. What all components are being manufactured by your company?
Ans- Currently all parts are being imported, while the main focus has been kept on the spark plugs. And considering the importance of this particular auto part, we are trying to create awareness in t he public through our various marketing techniques. Albeit, we are still figuring out the market scenario here.
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Q3. Carmakers including Isuzu, Nissan, Ford and others are planning to make India a diesel engine hub. What's your take on this? How do you think your company can leverage on this market scenario?
Ans- Like Honda Activa came up with 'HET' technology that has spark plug which is made in accordance to this new technology. So, we are kind of making such components that would be working perfectly in sync with the new technologies coming with new cars around. So, we are making engine specific spark plaugs as well, that would cater to the rising demand of diesel powered cars in India. As far as grasping the market share is concerned, we are collaborating with various companies to grow better.
Q4. What are your future and expansion plans? Do you have any plans to invest in other technologies?
Ans- As far as expansion plans are concerned, we could open an R&D centre in India. However, there are already such centres operating in International markets. Currently we are concentrating on 'spark plugs', while other auto components are not really on our cards.
Q5. Traditional an Indian consumer is very price/budget conscious; therefore many of them resort to grey market parts rather than staying with original ones. Keeping this in mind, how you will change the typical Indian mindset in the coming years?
Ans- We are developing technology in compliance to various emission norms. And our marketing strategy includes a very direct and grass root approach to create awareness regarding 'spark plugs' in India. We have even created a platform to develop an interaction medium for the mechanics to raise queries, and we would be answering to each of them.
Source : CarDekho - "Always source original auto parts"- Mr. Takahiro Matsurra in conversation with CarDekho.com