Looked up to

RESEARCH: A survey finds Indians highly appreciative of auto firms.

Across the world, the auto industry is notorious for the wavering loyalty of customers. A brand loved one instance is forgotten in another. Indian firms, however, seem to be rather luckier in the longevity of relationships.

Ol' faithful Maruti Udyog and Tata Motors continue to be held in high esteem year after year, joined by new player Honda, as also the old oil majors BPCL, Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil, joined by new entrant Reliance Petroleum.

Or so it would seem from the findings of a 16-country survey conducted by TNS Automotive, a wing of the research firm by that name. The fieldwork was done early this year, and people were asked to rate corporations on several counts.

According to Chris Bonsi, regional director of TNS Automotive, companies in India score very well on its Public Goodwill Index. Partly, this could be because of their clean images.

In international comparison, India reports very positive preceptions of companies on the parameter of Corporate Social Responsibility (only Thailand outscores India in looking up to auto companies).

While Maruti is lauded for creating jobs, quality of life and fair prices, BPCL is seen as the best company for creating a sustainable future, quality of life and creating jobs, in that order.

Other leading auto companies that have won similar laurels from people in their respective countries include Shell in China, Michelin in France, BMW in Spain, Toyota in Japan and Porsche in Germany.

Place that, though, in the context of far higher scepticism in developed markets.