Tata Motors’ Vivek Srivatsa Interview: Tata Motors has established itself as an organization that builds secure autos. From the Nexon to the Safari, many of the firm’s autos have acquired 5-star security rankings. The Tata Nexon was the primary automobile in India to attain a 5-star security score, and since then, Tata Motors has constantly superior by way of security. We just lately had the chance to interview Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Industrial Officer of Tata Passenger Electrical Mobility Ltd. Learn the complete interview under.
How Is Tata Motors Contributing To Car Security?
Vivek Srivatsa mentioned, “6-7 years in the past, nobody actually cared about security. It was solely in 2018, when the Nexon bought a 5-star security score, that folks began recognizing security as an necessary parameter. Since then, we’ve remained dedicated: first with the Nexon, adopted by the Altroz, which achieved a 5-star security score at launch, making it the one hatchback to take action.”
“The Punch additionally acquired 5 stars, and the Tigor earned 4 stars, regardless of being in a really aggressive pricing class. We have additionally led the best way with B-NCAP rankings, the place the Harrier and Safari scored the best marks. However we’re not stopping right here — very quickly, we’ll have extra information to share with you,” he added.
How necessary is secure driving together with having secure autos?
Srivatsa mentioned, “If we discuss security in India, we’d like each secure autos and secure driving. It is very saddening that there’s a lack of concern for security and human life. Many new roads are being constructed, which has led to a rise in velocity, however the self-discipline of individuals on the roads is reducing. Yearly, we sadly lead in street security deaths and fatalities. So, whereas automobile security is necessary, we additionally want to enhance driving security as a society.”
How is Tata Motors advancing options in its autos?
He mentioned, “Now we have launched superior infotainment and electronics-based options to the Nexon, Harrier, and Safari. We’ve gone forward with bigger screens, extra functionalities, 360-degree cameras, improved sound high quality, and superior energetic security techniques. We’ve come a good distance from the present business customary.”
“A number of software program is concerned in these options, making them extremely software-oriented. We’ve additionally upgraded our headlamp lighting know-how, including LED lights, DRLs, fog lamps, and hind lights. LEDs supply two key benefits: decrease energy consumption and improved security as a consequence of increased gentle output and decreased warmth technology,” Srivatsa added.
Srivatsa mentioned, “Moreover, the Altroz now comes with 6 airbags and digital stability applications (ESP). In 2020, we standardized ESP within the Nexon, even within the lowest variant, at a time when ESP was accessible solely in high-end automobiles throughout the business. Whereas we’ve launched many options, our principal focus stays on security and infotainment, which have turn into a part of Tata Motors’ DNA.”
Why are automobile costs skyrocketing?
Vivek Srivatsa mentioned, “In the event you see, the automotive prices are rising, and the general business’s bills are rising, however the desirability of merchandise is rising even quicker than the prices. Prospects consider they’re getting good worth for his or her cash. In the event you examine entry-level automobile costs from 5-6 years in the past to now, they’ve virtually doubled. In distinction, premium automobile costs haven’t risen as sharply, making the added options on higher-end fashions really feel utterly well worth the value.”
Srivatsa mentioned, “If we take a look at the business, it retains evolving, and what was thought of the candy spot of the market 5 years in the past, round Rs 6 lakhs, is now about Rs 10 lakhs —virtually double, reflecting business development. Prospects now obtain full worth for his or her cash, with all of the options and luxurious supplies included.”
“India’s economic system is quickly creating, and many of the inhabitants is experiencing rising revenue and disposable revenue, which displays a better way of life in each side, together with in automotive purchases. Moreover, shopping for a automobile in India is extra of an emotional resolution than a sensible one,” he added.
Is including extra options to autos making it more durable to maintain costs in test?
He mentioned, “This can be a balancing act. As an illustration, if we take a look at the hatchback section, its contribution is reducing, and just lately it accounts for less than 27% of the business. Inside this, the premium hatchback class contributes essentially the most, with virtually 35% of hatchback gross sales coming from premium fashions. That is the one section displaying development throughout the hatchback class.”
“So, prospects are saying- give us a hatchback, however we would like premium options like experience high quality, engine energy output, consolation, and security. They need the hatchback form however with many options and a comfort-oriented drive. The efficiency of the hatchback section, by way of numbers, is rising on this path.”
“Sure, the hatchback class is very price-sensitive, and on the identical time, providing only a fundamental hatchback doesn’t excite prospects or drive gross sales. So, it’s a balancing sport,” Vivek Srivatsa added.
What’s Tata Motors doing to enhance after-sales service as individuals complain about it?
Vivek Srivatsa mentioned, “From 2020 till now, we’ve grown our market share virtually threefold. We went from round 5% to roughly 14% market share. Our gross sales numbers, which have been round 15,000 models, have now reached 50,000. This development isn’t as a result of we launched too many new fashions—there are solely two new names, Safari and Punch. The remainder of the vary stays the identical as in 2020. Such development wouldn’t be attainable if our service and high quality weren’t good.
He mentioned, “One situation we’ve recognized is that our gross sales development could have outpaced the growth of our service facilities. The elevated demand has put strain on our service facilities, resulting in longer ready durations for appointments and points with service high quality. We acknowledge this downside, and we’re dedicated to fixing it. Nevertheless, we consider the problem has been blown out of proportion as a consequence of detrimental hype.”