Renault KWID: The Game is still on

The new Renault KWID is pleasant surprise to the budget car industry in India. Equipped with extraordinary features those are not only best in class, but also in cars from segments above. It includes seven-inch touch-screen navigation system, a boot capacity of 300 litres, and the best in class ground clearance of 180 millimetres. The SUV look of the car is unique and attractive, with the best in class length & breadth offers a superior interior space, which is unusually rare in this segment. A three-cylinder 0.8-litre Smart Control Efficiency engine (799 CC, which is tuned to churn out 54PS and a peak torque of 72Nm with a 5-speed manual gearbox) enables it to generate a mileage of 25.17 kmpl, again the best in class.

With an affordable price of Rs 2.56 lakh to Rs 3.53 lakh, Renault KWID stands far ahead in the category of mini hatchbacks. The big question is now that whether KWID will be able to revive the dying mini car segment in India. With the changing preferences, increase in income level, availability of so many variants and easy bank financing options, the Indian consumer has already started to make a shift to the next level of owning a car.

The buzz that Renault has created with its online marketing efforts and India as a choice to be the first in global launch of KWID, reflects that seriousness of Renault towards the Indian market. The concept of virtual showroom, online demos and others communication efforts are worth appreciable and it also clicked for Renault as a flying start having managed to get 25,000 bookings within two weeks since its launch.

Surely, a well equipped mini car has everything to make a mark but isn't it too late for Renault to cater the segment? Or Renault is just trying to list the presence in the category? Though less price would enable it to fetch the market share but competition is already intense with Maruti Alto and Hundai Eon. The miserable journey of Tata Nano so far has already proved that even a college going boy is not much interested in mini cars. Sluggish sales of mini cars in India and falling market share of the segment (mini car segment constituted 30% in 2010-11, which is continuously on downfall with 21% market share in 2014-15) and comparative increase of market share of compact hatchbacks and sedan cars is the biggest challenge for Renault.

Despite of a few weak points and potential threats, Renault KWID has the mind-blowing strength to utilize the available opportunity in the dynamic market of India. 

Amazon Vs Flipkart- A Customer's Outlook

It is the story of a teacher and pupil. The relationship was of 'getting inspired,' before it turned into a ‘bitter war.’ The war is all about market share.

Yes, you are right! It is Amazon Vs Flipkart. 

Bansal brothers were inspired by Amazon to set up the replica in Indian market and they did it very well. Late entry of Amazon in India and their outrageous efforts to grip the market has fluttered Flipkart. There is no way out for both, except to fight a price battle.

Guess what, who is the gainer? And the answer is simple. It’s Indian Consumer, who always paid an extra penny for a better service.

I am a frequent online shopper. From books to electronic gadget, I prefer e-commerce. Especially, these days I am even more active due to my broken leg. Sigh! Broken limbs or such other disability is quite a blessing for these consignors. Nevertheless, many THANKS to both!

Though both giants are up to the mark, but my personal experience with Amazon is phenomenal. Foremost, they are speedier in delivery and quicker in action. The depth of product mix at Amazon is sea alike. Though Flipkart is little trendy in marketing style and making good use of word 'Exclusive.' Being a huge brand identity, Amazon carries itself with all that 'orange' branding. Its simple but mind-blowing marketing strategies can make anyone feel astounding. Amazon's online ads remind me of the famous tagline of Hutch (Wherever You Go, Our Network Follows). These ads going to follow you on every damn website you open, with the product line you went through at amazon.in. For a common man, It can be a great fun. Being a marketer I know this is just another way to persuade a customer.

To my surprise, Amazon has offered me a gift card worth of Rs. 200. It was a token of apology against a late delivery that took place long back. Being consumer focused, Amazon credited me the delivery charges and apologized. Right from dispatching to delivery, its valuable SMS follow-up is yet another add-on 

As the price war continuous, both companies are selling things at very low rates. Huge discounts and offers are given to encroach the market share. Both firms have abolished the competition. Not a single firm stood against these and each one is about to diminish. Though snapdeal has shown little resistance, and myntra was acquired by Flipkart.

Sometimes it makes me surprise to see such low rates. At a few occasions unlike Flipkart, I have observed comparatively low quality of products of Amazon. It can be taken into consideration to reduce the prices even more.

Net worth of Sachin and Binny is soaring high because of good execution, of a copied idea. Nevertheless, war is on. Winning it requires stamina and willingness to earn low profits.

Win-Win for Customers!

Bapu- A Brand So Good!

Sh. Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi, a great nationalist indeed who first employed non-violent civil disobedience as an expatriate lawyer in South Africa. And later he came back and emerged as preeminent leader in India’s struggle for freedom. He employed many historic non-violent movements from ’Civil-Disobience Movement’ to ‘Quit India Movement’.

To hold the hand of a nation which was prolonged of jeopardy of religionism, castism and many other wrongdoings, was a challenge itself. Mahatma Gandhi, the man with a greatest vision took pride and went through the era, fearlessly. His great affection towards humanity and his zeal for nation had made the triumph possible. He is among the greatest leaders ever born in on this planet.

Unanimously, he was a great character and a very strong BRAND himself. Simplicity, a typical personality and uniqueness in dress-style had made him the icon, whom people can recall even through a simple ‘curve-drawing’.  

Brands like APPLE (Biggest Brand on Earth) has endorsed his picture with their evergreen tagline ‘THINK DIFFERENT’. Unquestionable match of personality and their products!

SWISSCOM, a Swiss communication provider has endorsed him with a tagline ‘To spread the good has never been so easy’.  Luxury pen-maker, Mont Blanc too encashed the brand image of Bapu and sold its range at premium. Later on, in 2010 Supreme Court has ordered the firm to stop the commercial carrying images of Sh. Gandhi.

As usual, Bollywood has another character to encroach on. Thankfully a few movies like ‘LAGE RAHO MUNNA BHAI’, advanced a good message to the people.

I sum up with a great gem from the ocean of his philosophy:

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

-Mahatma Gandhi