When talking about the most reliable car brand, the name that first comes in mind is Maruti Suzuki. As per the 2013 India Escaped Shopper Study, customers going for new cars from Fiat and Ford do maximum research before purchasing a new vehicle. Moreover, buyers going for Indian auto majors like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra would not consider going for any model of some other brand. This study is based on responses received from 8,687 shoppers, wherein 3,271 rejected the idea of buying new cars and new utility vehicles. The objective of the study was why ‘new-vehicle shoppers consider but subsequently reject certain models in favour of another’. This survey was carried out in between March and July 2013.
Taking overall customer retention into consideration, an improvement from 2 per cent to 40 per cent was observed wherein three out of eight brands included in the survey had an improved customer retention rate from 2012. The basis of the study consisted of parameters like product range, brand image, ownership experience and sustained presence in the country. Among automobile brands in India, the two auto-majors that recorded highest customer retention rates were Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra.
For the ninth consecutive year, the most reliable car brand Maruti Suzuki has recorded a figure of 37 per cent of all shoppers eventually purchasing a car from it. Maruti Suzuki India Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese auto maker Suzuki, needs no introduction. Over the years, it has earned the name of the most dependable automobile firm of India. Established in 1981 as Maruti Udyog Limited, the company has come up with several successful models. M800, the first model by auto maker, developed especially for the middle class sect of India, set a benchmark in the industry by attaining an iconic status. After the introduction of this car, there was a sudden boom of hatchbacks in the market but the model didn't lose its charm till the time it was on sale. Recently, the sale of this hatchback was discontinued instead of which Alto 800 was launched.
Maruti Suzuki cars have always been preferred by the customers mainly because the brand is known for selling 'value for money' cars. The company has sold out some of the most successful models in the Indian car market, such as Alto 800, WagonR, Swift, Swift DZire The petrol variant of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 gives a mileage of 22.76 kmpl whereas the WagonR gives an average of 17.1 kmpl. The highly popular Maruti Swift, which comes in two variants, WT powered K series petrol engine and DdiS diesel engine, has a wide customer base. Maruti Swift DZire, powered by K-12 series and D13A Diesel power train delivers superior performance, power, fuel efficiency and smooth ride.
These cars have always been in the top ten best selling cars and have given a tough competition to their rivals. The starting price of the cars manufactured by Maruti Suzuki India Limited Rs. 2.46 lakh. For a long time now, South Korean auto maker Hyundai has been the biggest rival for Maruti Suzuki. Despite the constant competition from Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki has sustained its position in the passenger car market.
