F A D A Journal - March 2019

Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations | fada.in | Estb: 1964 March 2019 | Vol. 18 | Issue: XII | Pages : 60 | Rs. 50

fada 6, President’s Message

Journal F A D A & JD Power for the First time
Conduct Dealer Satisfaction Study
Insights from the Automobile Retail Industry
10, India Economics

CPI Inflation rises marginally |
January IIP falls down to 1.7%

16, GST Update

Introduction of Section 88A on Utilizing
Input Tax Credit (ITC) w.e.f. 29.03.2019

26, Women Empowerment 12, F A D A News

How Women are Powering 291st Council Meeting; 2nd State Chairpersons & Regional Directors
their Way into the Workplace Meeting; and Participation in CCI Workshop

36, Automotive & Mobility 30, The Zero Hour

Rethinking Exclusive Interview
How Cars with Gen Next
Are Built -
With Anshul Kasliwal
Modern
Consumers Director, Kamal & Company
in Mind





contents Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations | fada.in | Estb: 1964 March 2019 | Vol. 18 | Issue: XII | Pages : 60 | Rs. 50

March 2019 | Vol. 18 | Issue: XII fada 6, President’s Message
F A D A & JD Power for the First time
6 President’s Message Journal Conduct Dealer Satisfaction Study

F A D A & J D Power for the First Time Conduct Dealer Sa sfac on Study Insights from the Automobile Retail Industry 10, India Economics
CPI Inflation rises marginally |
8 Industry Track January IIP falls down to 1.7%

Auto Market Con nues To Ba le Strong Headwinds 16, GST Update
Introduction of Section 88A on Utilizing
10 India Economics Input Tax Credit (ITC) w.e.f. 29.03.2019

CPI Infla on rises marginally | January IIP falls down to 1.7% | 26, Women Empowerment 12, F A D A News
Trade Deficit narrows to US$ 9.6 Billion
How Women are Powering 291st Council Meeting; 2nd State Chairpersons & Regional Directors
12 F A D A News their Way into the Workplace Meeting; and Participation in CCI Workshop

F A D A’s Mee ngs Held on April 4, 2019 at Holiday Inn, New Delhi 36, Automotive & Mobility 30, The Zero Hour
F A D A Par cipates in Workshop on Compe on Issuesin Automo ve Industry
Rethinking Exclusive Interview
14 Regional News How Cars with Gen Next
Are Built -
F A D A WB Chapter - Par cipa on at Kolkata Police Road Safety Week Closing Ceremony With Anshul Kasliwal
F A D A Associa on Member - BADA Organises Auto Seminar in Bhopal Modern
Consumers Director, Kamal & Company
15 F A D A & J D Power 2019 Dealer Satisfaction Study in Mind

Ques onnaire Weblink for submit the responses Printed and Published by Saharsh Damani on behalf of Federa on of
Automobile Dealers Associa ons, 805, Surya Kiran, 19, K G Marg,
16 GST Update New Delhi-110 001.

Introduc on of Sec on 88A on U lizing Input Tax Credit (ITC) w.e.f. 29.03.2019 Printed at Sita Fine Arts P Ltd, A-16, Naraina Indl Area - II, New Delhi

18 Perspective Editor: Saharsh Damani

Reserve a Seat - The Future of Mobility is Arriving Early Advertisers’ Index 05
23
22 Competition Law Updates 21North 51
Ashok Leyland 47
24 Digitisation Bagga Link 03
Kuttukaran Group 43
Why Digital Retail Is Great News for Automo ve: Digital Dealer Provincial Group 02
Shri Ram Transport Finance 59
26 Women Empowerment Tata Capital Financial Services 58
Tata Motors 60
How Women are Powering their Way into the Workplace United Group of Institutions
VE Commercial Vehicles
28 Know Our Member
Editor, F A D A Journal and CEO, F A D A
Joshi Automo ves Pvt Ltd, Chandigarh
Mr Saharsh Damani
29 F A D A Awards T +91-11-6630 4852, 2332 0093, 2332 0095
E [email protected]
Weblink for Submit the Nomina ons for the 2nd Edi on of F A D A Awards
Of ice Bearers Vice President
30 The Zero Hour Mr Vinkesh Gulati
President E [email protected]
An exclusive interview with Anshul Kasliwal, Director, Kamal & Company Mr Ashish Harsharaj Kale
E [email protected] Hony. Treasurer
33 Govt. Circulars Mr C S Vigneshwar
Hony. Secretary E [email protected]
34 Technology Mr Manish Raj Singhania
E [email protected]
5G, C-V2X and Mobile Edge Compu ng Can Be er Protect All Road Users
Int’l Director & Immediate
36 Automotive & Mobility Past President Past President
Mr Nikunj Sanghi Mr John K Paul
Rethinking How Cars Are Built - With Modern Consumers in Mind E [email protected] E [email protected]

40 Consumer Case Study

44 Membership

46 Chart of the Month

48 Upgrades

52 News Basket

54 Statistics

Vehicle Sales, Y-o-Y Growth & Market Share - February 2019



President’s Message

F A D A & J D Power for the First Time
Conduct Dealer Satisfaction Study

Dear Friends, regula ng produc on to Auto Retail is one of the
highest Employment
I am happy to share that F A D current demand and helping Providers to the Urban as well
A’s sharing of the Auto Retail us reduce inventory. as Rural Economy, providing
25 lac direct jobs and an equal
figures have helped OEMs to The inventory reduc on in number of indirect jobs.

take a realis c stock of events March ,with further reduc on Adding to low demand for
vehicles, a set of new norms/
at the ground level. They are expected in April, will help get regula ons affec ng the
automobile industry are set to
MR ASHISH HARSHARAJ now coming forward by the Dealers to Normal roll out from April1, 2019. Let
KALE me assure you that F A D A has
President, F A D A extending a suppor ng hand Inventory levels of 30 days and been proac vely engaging
with the concerned
to the Auto Retail Industry will form a good base as we government departments
and other stakeholders. This
reeling under huge inventory enter a new financial year with has helped us in ge ng mely
clarifica ons/ amendments
due to low steam in sale of renewed expecta on and much to the relief to the
Dealer Community.
vehicles by reducing the posi vity.
The New HSRP Regula ons
produc on. I am hopeful that For the Month of March stated that the new rule shall
the weather will turn for good Liquidity, both for the apply to all vehicles sold on or
with sales gaining trac on Consumer and the Dealer, s ll a er April 1, 2019. On proper
once the elec ons are over remained very ght and follow-up in the ma er, the
and with the onset of normal Opera ng Cost of Auto Ministry having understood
monsoons. Dealerships were at its Peak, the Industry’s concern issued
a Clarificatory No fica on
From the reports I am ge ng owing to Higher Inventory and sta ng that the New HSRP
rule shall be applicable on all
from across the country, the Selling Costs. RBI has already vehicles manufactured on or
a er April 1, 2019 and that the
inventory s ll remains high ini ated measures which will OEMs shall be responsible for
arranging for the plates to the
a c r o s s s e g m e n t s a n d result in easing of consumer dealers who shall be
responsible for affixing it on to
definitely not within the 30 liquidity and we expect the the vehicles.

day Normal Range that we easing to con nue in the The two wheeler dealer
community was really
would like to see, but has coming months. concerned regarding the sale
of non ABS/CBS fi ed
reduced substan ally, The Dealer Community has vehicles lying in stock on and
especially in the 2W segment faced one of the toughest me a er April 1, 2019. Assurance
which had touched Never in Dealer Liquidity and from MoRTH on the ma er
Before seen High Levels. Adequate Working Capital

Inventory reduc on by way of Availability in the past 6

Produc on cut is a painful m o nt h s , a n d i n a s m a l l

decision for all stake holders, percentage of cases, even

especially OEM’s and that too threatening the survival of

in a growing market like India their business. F A D A will

and I am thankful to our engage with the Newly

Principals for understanding Elected Policy Makers post the

the pain and pressure that e l e c o n s a n d w i l l b e

Auto Dealers were going advoca ng a separate working

through with Historically High Capital Policy for Auto Retail

Inventory and that too in such which will aid in its con nued

a Tight Liquidity Situa on. F A sustainable growth. We will

D A appreciates and applauds keep upda ng our members

the bold steps taken by as and when there is further

majority of our Principals for progress on this topic

6 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

President’s Message

that the new norms for 2 Indian Ci es for the next 12 F A D A will soon be being, green shoots have
wheelers would be applicable months at a rac ve conduc ng its Academy begun to appear and in due
only on vehicles loca ons. The campaign was Program and to facilitate course auto market will be
manufactured on and a er launched in Nagpur by Mr this, I am happy to share that back in full steam. March
April 1, 2019 as men oned in Ni n Gadkari, Hon’ble we have purchased an Retails being in the posi ve
the no fica on brought much Minister for Road Transport addi onal office space across the segments give us
relief to the Dealer & Highways. F A D A intends adjoining our current office. hope that the Worst is Behind
Community. to do this campaign in Program details are being us. We expect plateauing of
associa on with MoRTH. worked out. Please watch the declining demand and
In the ma er regarding out for the announcements expect sales to stabilise in
u lisa on of input credit, F A F A D A & JD Power for the first regarding various courses on their current normal range for
D A engaged with the Hon’ble me are jointly doing the offer! the next 4-6 weeks ll India’s
PM, Finance Minister, GST biggest democra c Fes val,
Council Members and met Dealership Sa sfac on Study. Compe on Commission of The Elec ons, conclude and
officials in the GST I hence appeal to all Dealer India (CCI) conducted a we head towards the onset of
Commissionerate to amend Friends to spend some me in Workshop on Compe on the monsoon.
the anomaly created by the answering the survey as it is Issues in Automo ve
introduc on on Sec on 49A in for our own benefit. I assure Ecosystem in associa on with A stable Government at the
the CGST rule which put you the confiden ality of the SIAM and ACMA. The Centre, an above
addi onal working capital inputs shared shall be workshop was indeed a average/average Monsoon
requirement on the auto retail maintained. The report would proac ve ini a ve of CCI for and most importantly
industry while it had highlight manufacturer wise having a dialogue with all con nued easing monetary
unu lised input credit in its dealer sa sfac on score. You stakeholders in the policy by the RBI which has
account which could not be can download the form from automo ve sector to been ini ated by the New RBI
refunded either. The Council www.fada.in, answer and mail understand the industry Governor, resul ng in
was kind to give us a pa ent it back to [email protected]. perspec ve regarding the Liquidity availability are
hearing and worked out a challenges it faces in its factors which will once again
solu on by introducing Rule Nomina ons for the 2nd ecosystem. F A D A Office begin the posi ve run of
88A by which a er complete edi on of F A D A Awards Bearers were part of all the 3 Indian Auto Retails and we
u lisa on of the IGST credit 2019 has also begun. This Panel Discussions and have expect that to con nue into
for the payment of IGST is done in associa on with put forward the Dealer the fes ve season.
output, the industry could Autocar Professional. For Concerns and Sugges ons.
determine the manner of the first me, F A D A has Going forward we shall be This is a good me to
u lisa on of the balance IGST roped EY as its Evalua on engaging with CCI regularly introspect and make use of
credit for CGST/SGST liability. Partner to ensure fair with regards to Dealer Issues the learning ’s from the
This was a huge relief to the recogni on of those who and sugges ons. difficult mes and also sharing
industry and a detailed note have achieved excellence the same for the benefit of the
on this is printed in the in their sphere of work. F A D A Journal will soon be community at large. I
Journal. This me we have around star ng with a new column on understand with the financial
39 awards. This would CSR. I request you to please year closing, you all will be
Coming to the other include ver cals of PV, 2W, share any ini a ve that is hard pressed for me, yet do
ac vi es undertaken at F A 4W, CV, 3W, SCV, MHCV, being undertaken in your take me out to par cipate in
D A, F A D A launched a CSR, Big Dealer Award, region/ city in this regard so F A D A ac vi es to make your
Campaign “SEAT BELT – Zonal Awards - North, that the same can be associa on a strong ‘Voice of
HAMESHA” and has decided South, East & West; and published for the benefit of all the Dealer’!
to buy Four ‘Seat-Belt Na onal Awards. The the readers and also to
Persuaders’ so that award func on will be held publicise what all good work Warm Regards,
awareness for wearing seat in Mumbai. I humbly dealer community is doing for
belts can be given to all request you to send in your the society. Ashish Harsharaj Kale
school and college going nomina ons by logging on President
students across major www.fada.in and filling in To sum up even though sales
your nomina ons. are not good for the me

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 7

Industry Track

Auto Market Continues To Battle Strong Headwinds

Feb'19 was yet another Feb'19 saw the domes c Vitara, Brezza and S-Cross Ford India’s combined
month which witnessed sales of CVs decline by 0.43% gained by 7.4%; and Vans domes c and exports in
subdued sales in the Indian y-o-y to 87,436 units. The comprising of Omni & Eeco Feb'19 reached 17,626
auto market. Many OEMs cut numbers could have been also gained 17.2% y-o-y. vehicles compared to 23,965
produc on due to slow much worse but for the LCVs, vehicles in the same month
economic growth during the the domes c sales of which The sales performance of l a st ye a r. T h e co m p a ny
month. Liquidity crunch, expanded by 5.81% y-o-y to Hyundai Motor India Ltd registered monthly domes c
unavailability of retail 53,141 units during the (HMIL), the country’s second sales of 6,669 units in Feb'19,
finance, higher interest rate, month. The CV exports too largest car manufacturer, was as compared to 9,041 units in
uncertainty due to upcoming had not much to write home flat during the month. The the corresponding month
elec ons and new axle norms about, plunging by 21.8% y- domes c sales slipped by last year, registering a slide of
were few other reasons o-y to 6,678 units during the 3.1% to 43,110 units (Feb'18: 26.2%.
which kept the sales muted. month. 44,505 units). However,
HMIL’s exports at 11,408 Toyota Kirloskar Motor
The domes c passenger car Three-wheeler sales were units (Feb'18: 10,917 units) (TKM) sold a total of 11,760
market dipped 4.30% from also in nega ve terrain expanded by 4.5%. units in the domes c market
179,122 units a year earlier recording a slide of 4.14% y- in the month of Feb'19. The
to 171,372 units in Feb'19 o-y to 59, 875 units. However, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), company exported 741units
despite several new launches in the interna onal market leading manufacturer of of the E os series during the
and high discounts offered. the sales zoomed to a premium cars in India, month thus clocking a total of
The overall passenger vehicle whopping 43.96% y-o-y to registered domes c sales of 12,501units. In the month of
segment, which includes 46,553 units in Feb'19. 13,527 units during Feb'19, Feb'18, TKM sold a total of
u lity vehicles and vans, de- recording 16.1% growth over 11,864 units in the domes c
grew by 1.11% in February, Overall, the domes c market Feb’18. Cumula ve sales market and exported 865
despite posi ve growth encompassing all segments, including domes c & units of the E os series.
recorded in u lity vehicle and clocked a slide of 3.65% with exports, of the company
vans sale numbers that total domes c sales of achieved 10.6% growth y-o-y Commen ng on the sales
soared 3.70% & 10.74% 2,034,768 unit ’s vis-à-vis selling 13, 547 units. performance, N Raja, Deputy
respec vely y-o-y to 83,245 2,111,804 units in Feb'18. MD, TKM, said, “We have
units and 17,667 units during Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice seen improvement in
the month. Maru Suzuki India Ltd President and Director, Sales consumer sen ments as
(MSIL) sold a total of 146,465 & Mktg, HCIL, said, “Our on- compared to last month
Two-wheeler sales adversely units in Feb'19 against ground efforts and sustained leading to a growth in
impacted by increased 148,438 units sold in Feb'18 sales momentum for models, demand. However, the auto
insurance requirements, less by 1.3%. This included specially the Amaze, City and sales are witnessing a
rising raw material costs and 136,912 units in domes c WR-V has fueled our growth temporary slowdown in pre-
the subsequent price market and 9,553 units of in February. The overall elec on phase in addi on to
increase due to regulatory exports. Demand, however, market sen ment is not factors like ght liquidity
safety requirements con nued to remain weak in overtly buoyant at this stage, condi on impac ng the
recorded a slide of 4.22% in Mini segment comprising however we hope the market buying behaviour.
domes c sales at 1,615,071 Alto, and old WagonR, and in will revive soon.” “The all-
units during Feb'19. Mid-size segment comprising new Civic which is slated for However, we are happy that
of Ciaz which declined by launch next week has the Innova Crysta and the All
Reflec ng the current 26.7% and 37% respec vely. received an overwhelming New Camry Hybrid Electric
economic environment, Compact segment response in the pre-launch Vehicle or self-charging
nega ve impact of the new comprising New WagonR, phase and we are confident electric vehicle has been well
axle norms and liquidity Celerrio, Ignis, Swi , Baleno that it will bring excitement received from customers
crunch dampened the and Dzire achieved a growth in the execu ve sedan across India.”
commercial vehicle sales of 11.4%; U lity Vehicles segment,” he added.
leading to slide. The month of comprising of Gypsy, Er ga,

8 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Industry Track

Holding steady, Mahindra 6,241 units respec vely in con nued to witness a Bajaj Auto’s two-wheeler
& Mahindra Ltd (M&M) Feb'19. strong growth of 22% on domes c sales at 186,523
reported a 16.6% rise in its the back of road units gained by 6.3%
Passenger Vehicle segment Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd’s construc on, irriga on and against 175,489 units sold
sale numbers, which stood commercial vehicle sales affordable housing in Feb'18. The company
at 26,834 units during bucking the trend sold projects. exported 15.9% more
Feb'19 as against 23,018 21,154 units in Feb'19 in during the month at
units in Feb'18. The domes c market against The LCV segment recorded 141,462 units.
Passenger Vehicle segment 20,946 units sold a year a growth of 6.3% with
(which includes the UVs and ago, a gain of 1%. The 21,289 units in Feb'19 as Honda Motorcycle &
Vans) surged 16.9% y-o-y to company’s M&HCVs sold compared to 20,027 units Scooter India (HMSI)
clock sales of 26,106 units 11.4% less at 855 units sold last year. This segment recorded a slide in its
in domes c market during against 965 units sold in has not been much affected domes c sale during the
Feb'19. In the interna onal Feb'18. Company’s LCV sale by the increased axle load month selling 408,559 units
market, the company at 20,299 units gained by norms. New products against 489,638 units sold in
gained by 7.2% selling 728 1.6% y-o-y. introduc ons in the fast Feb'18, de-growth by 16.6%.
units during the month growing 15T-16T segment
against 679 units sold in Ashok Leyland that saw its have been well accepted by TVS Motor sold 231,582
Feb'18. domes c sales at 17,352 the customer. units in the domes c
units in Feb'19 gain by market in Feb'19 against
Rajan Wadhera, President, meager 0.8% y-o-y. The VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd 230,353 units sold in
Automo ve Sector, M&M company exported 893 (A Volvo Group and Eicher Feb'18. In the interna onal
Ltd, said, "The month of units during the month. Motors joint venture) market also the company’s
February has augured well recorded sales of 6,428 sale expanded by 6.8% at
for Mahindra. We have Tata Motors’ Commercial units in Feb'19 as compared 54,029 units.
witnessed a strong double Vehicles domes c sales to 6,889 units in Feb'18,
digit growth of 16% in our declined by 3.5% in Feb'19 recording a decline of 6.7%. Likewise India Yamaha
UV por olio, on the back of at 37,595 units, compared In the domes c CV market, Motors notched up a 6.4%
our newly launched to 38,971 units sold last Eicher branded trucks & increase in domes c sales
XUV300 model. Further, the year. Cumula ve sales for buses recorded sales of of its two-wheelers to
overall growth for the the fiscal (Apr-Feb'19) at 5,337 units in Feb'19 (YTD 64,797 units in Feb'19.
month has been around 417,775 units grew by 19% 54,404 units) as compared
10%. On a YTD basis too, we compared to 350,143 units to 5,783 units in Feb'18 Suzuki Motorcycle India
have shown a strong growth sold during the same period (LYTD 47,896 units) recorded healthy double-
of 12% at an overall level." last year. represen ng a decline of digit growth. The domes c
7.7% (YTD growth at sales of Suzuki Motorcycle
Passenger Vehicle Business The M&HCV segment of the 13.6%). On the Exports grew by 23.9% to 57,173
Unit of Tata Motors logged company declined by front, Eicher branded trucks units in Feb'19. The
disappoin ng sales 13.9%, at 16,306 units, & buses have recorded company’s sale in the
numbers, recording 19,626 compared to 18,944 units sales of 931 units in Feb'19 interna onal market during
units in domes c sales, a sold in Feb'18, due to low (YTD 8,794 units) as the month gained by 48.8%
2% fall from 20,022 units demand as a result of the compared to 1,013 units in at 8,456 units against 5,684
sold in Feb'18. The revised axle load norms. Feb'18 (LYTD 7,736 units), units sold in Feb'18.
company’s exports also saw Post the axle load norms represen ng a decline of
a steep 38.3% slide y-o-y at implementa on, the freight 8.1% (YTD growth at Surprisingly, with the IIP
211 units against 342 units carrying capacity of M&HCV 13.7%). registering an unexpected
exported in Feb'18. parc has increased by 20%, downward trend by
but the freight growth has In tune with the sluggish recording just 1.7% growth
Di o for Nissan India and not been able to absorb this market condi ons, Hero rate in January 2019 and
Renault India, that also saw increased capacity resul ng MotoCorp witnessed a the WPI also showing a 10-
its domes c sales fall in lower demand for new 0.8% dip y-o-y in domes c month low trend of
sharply by 41.8% and 14.6% trucks. However, the pper sales that read 600,616 growing 2.76%, the
y-o- y to 2,759 units and segment on the other hand units in Feb'19. environment con nues to
be difficult.

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 9

India Economics

CPI Inflation rises marginally | January IIP falls down to 1.7% |
Trade Deficit narrows to US$ 9.6 Billion

Headline CPI Infla on for the lower than the 52-week high 3.9% YoY. The growth comes pressure on Autos was visible
month of Feb’19 saw a slight level of around US$ 86 per on back of low base with with group “Motor vehicles,
up ck as it went up to 2.6% barrel, which is the reason some up ck in Natural Gas trailers and semi-trailers”
YoY from 2% YoY in Jan’19. why fuel & light infla on Produc on whereas Coal contrac ng by - 1.4% YoY in
The headline infla on figure came down to a cyclically low and Crude con nue to be January a er contrac ng -
con nues to be dragged level of 1.2% YoY. Although a sluggish as seen in the 3.2% YoY in December 2018.
down by low fuel and food sustained upward rally in January Eight Core
prices. Fuel & light infla on crude oil prices could lead to Industries Data release. Consumer goods showed a
eased to a cycle low of 1.2% an up ck in infla on going slowdown growing at 2.9%
YoY as against 2.1% last ahead, an apparent global Electricity has grown by 0.8% YoY with Consumer Durables
month, and that too on a slowdown may weaken crude YoY, much below the YTD growing at just 1.8% YoY and
lower base. Low crude oil demand prospects further. average of ~6% YoY. The slow Consumer Non-Durables
prices also had their impact growth in Electricity was also growing by 3.8% YoY. Private
on transporta on infla on January IIP falls to 1.7% visible in Eight Core Data Consump on has taken a toll
which eased to 3.1% YoY which showed the January in December Quarter of GDP
from 3.4% YoY in January. A Industrial Growth con nued number to be a 71 month release and the pains of it is
downward surprise was seen to show signs of decelera on low. seeing to be con nued in
in core CPI (Ex. Food & Fuel) in January. YTD IIP is at 4.4%. January as well.
infla on which eased further IIP is slowing on back of low Manufacturing- the key
to 5.3% YoY from 5.4% YoY in demand in the domes c driver and the highest India’s Trade Deficit
January. economy with exports failing weighted item in IIP- also narrowed to a 17 month low
to pick up owing to Global slowed down in January to at US$ 9.6 Billion in February
The up ck in infla on came slowdown. 1 . 3 % Yo Y. 1 1 o u t o f 2 3 2019. Exports grew by 2.4%
on the back of a slower rate industries in the YoY to US$ 26.6 Bn whereas
of decline in food prices as Electricity at record low, manufacturing sector have Imports contracted by 5.4%
compared to the previous Manufacturing witnesses a shown posi ve growth YoY to US$ 36.2 Bn. Oil Trade
month. This comes as the broad based Fall during the month of January Deficit is at US$ 6.3 Bn with
MPC in its February mee ng 2019 as compared to 13 out Non-Oil Trade Deficit at US$
had decided to cut the policy Mining has finally shown of 23 in December 2018. The 3.3 Bn.
repo rate by 25 bps and some pick up and came in at
changed their stance from
calibrated ghtening to Core Infla on Comes Down Further
neutral. The MPC projected
infla on to remain muted in
the near term due to the
benign food infla on outlook
and cut the upper interval for
H1 FY20 infla on forecast by
80 bps to 3.4%.

Oil remains in focus

Interna onal Brent crude oil
prices currently trade around
US$ 67per barrel, up by
almost US$ 8 per barrel as
compared to the beginning of
Feb’19. However, the crude
oil prices are significantly

10 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

India Economics

Fall in Trade Deficit driven by low oil prices coupled with Exports showed a modest and low domes c
contrac on in Imports low demand as seen in Growth, global slowdown produc on, also visible in IIP
Petroleum Consump on remains a risk Mining and Eight Core
The contrac on in imports data in latest Eight Core Industries data.
of -5.4% YoY is a 30-month Industries report. Exports grew by US$ 26.6 Bn
high. Oil Imports in February as compared to Non-Oil Exports grew by 3.9%
contracted by -8.06% YoY Non-Oil Imports fell to US$ US$ 26.3 Bn in January. Oil YoY. Electronic Goods grew by
whereas Non-Oil imports 26.8 Bn in February from US$ Exports were US$ 3 Bn in 46.1% YoY and Engineering
contracted by -4.5%. Oil 29.8 Bn in January. Fall in Non- February as compared to Goods grew by 1.73% YoY.
Imports fell to US$ 9.3 Bn in Oil Imports show sluggish US$ 3.2 Bn in January. The Labour Intensive sectors have
February from US$ 11.2 Bn demand scenario prevailing in fall in value of Oil exports is been in distress post
in January. The fall is due to the domes c economy. based on low crude prices demone za on and GST.

IIP Growth Slows Again

Recovery in Trade Deficit Due to Decline in Imports

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 11

F A D A News

F A D A’s Meetings Held on April 4, 2019
at Holiday Inn, New Delhi

291st Council Meeting

2nd State Chairpersons & Regional Directors Meeting

12 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

F A D A News

F A D A Participates in Workshop on Competition Issues
in Automotive Industry

SIAM in associa on with Session I: Abuse of Dominance
the CCI & ACMA hosted a Session II: Cartel & Leniency
Workshop on Compe on Session III: Vertical Restraints
Issues in the Automo ve
Industry on March 8, 2019 in
New Delhi.

The workshop had 3 Panel
discussions on i) Abuse of
Dominance; ii) Cartel and
Leniency; and iii) Ver cal
Restraints.

F A D A senior office bearer’s
viz., Mr Vinkesh Gula , Mr
Manish Raj Singhania and Mr
C S Vigneshwar were invited
to be the Panellists to share
the auto retail perspec ve.

Through this workshop, CCI
aimed to proac vely engage
with different stakeholders in
the automo ve sector to
come up with feasible and
prac cal solu ons.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr
Ashok K Gupta, Chairperson,
CCI said that at a me when
such phenomenal changes
were happening in the
automobile industry, the best
outcome of such an event for
automo ve sector was
through advocacy and
developing a code of conduct.

Ms Garima Misra and Mr
Pranav Shah from F A D A were
also present. Representa ves
from the government and
industry experts who had
come wanted to discuss
various concerns related to
fair compe on in the
automo ve sector and come
up with possible solu ons in
terms of best prac ces and
regulariza on of the industry
standards.

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 13

Regional News

F A D A West Bengal Chapter Led by State Chairperson - Mr Amit Manaktala
Participates at Kolkata Police Road Safety Week Closing Ceremony

Topsel Toyota fabricated boom barrier
and supplied to Kolkata Police to help
control pedestrian traffic and promote
Road Safety

F A D A Association Member - BADA Organises Auto Seminar in Bhopal

Shri Jayvardhan Singh, Cabinet Minister
for Urban Development, Govt of MP

Management Guru - Shri N Raghuram GST Dy Comm. - Shri N. S. Chouhan

Col. V N Thapar (Retd) Psychologist - Shri Dr Vinay Mishra

14 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

For the First Time

Jointly Conducts

2019 DEALER
SATISFACTION STUDY

Category: Passenger Vehicle; Commercial Vehicle; & Two-Wheeler

Download Questionnaire from www.fada.in

E-mail Your Responses to [email protected]

One Na on | One Associa on FEDERATION OF AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATIONS

804-805, Surya Kiran, 19, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110 001

T +91 11 6630 4852, 2332 0093, 2332 0095 | E [email protected]

fadaindia.org fadaindia FADA New Delhi FADA_India www.fada.in FADA India

GST Update

Introduction of Section 88A on Utilizing Input Tax Credit (ITC)

w.e.f. 29.03.2019

DR SANJIV AGARWAL Sec on 49 of the CGST (b) I n c a s e b a l a n c e Remedial Measures
Chartered Accountant Act, 2017 contains available, payment
M/s Agarwal Sanjiv & provisions in rela on to of tax as IGST F A D A had represented
Company payment of tax, interest, before all necessary
penalty and other The following matrix depicts forums including Prime
amounts. the manner of availing input Minister’s Office (PMO) /
tax credit prior to 1st Ministry of Finance (MoF)
Sec on 49 (5) of CGST Act, February, 2019, i.e. upto etc. to remove the
2017 provides manner of 31.01.2019: hardship of dealers due to
u lizing Input Tax Credit the amended provisions.
(ITC) for payment of GST W.e.f. 01.02.2019 Now, Ministry of Finance
output tax liability, e.g has come out with a
IGST can be set off against By CGST (Amendment) Act, possible solu on by
IGST and then CGST and 2018, sec on 49A was inser ng new Rule 88A in
SGST, CGST can be set off inserted w.e.f. 1.2.2019. CGST Rules to remove the
against CGST and then hardship caused to dealers
against IGST, and SGST can Accordingly, Government w.e.f. 01.02.2019.
be set off against SGST and had changed the order of
then against IGST. setoff of input tax credit by W.e.f. 29.03.2019
introducing sec on 49A
Prior to 01.02.2019 w.e.f. 01.02.2019 according Vide No fica on No.
to which, IGST Credit was to 16/2019-CT dated
The amount under various be set off fully before taking 29.03.2019, following Rule
heads of credit could be any setoff of CGST or SGST, 88A has been inserted
used in the following order which meant that IGST which is effec ve from
of preference: Credit has to be first u lized 29.03.2019 itself. It
fully for payment of IGST provides as follows:
I. IGST can be used: then for CGST and then for
SGST liability as the case “Rule 88A. Order of
(a) For payment of tax may be, even before u liza on of input tax
as IGST u liza on of ITC of CGST or credit.- Input tax credit on
SGST w.e.f. 01.02.2019. account of integrated tax
(b) For payment of tax shall first be u lised towards
as CGST The following matrix payment of integrated tax,
explains the manner of and the amount remaining,
(c) For payment of tax credit w.e.f. 01.02.2019 for if any, may be u lised
as SGST any tax payments to be towards the payment of
made: central tax and State tax or
ii. CGST can be used: Union territory tax, as the
case may be, in any order:
(a) For payment of tax
as CGST Provided that the input tax
credit on account of central
(b) For payment of tax tax, State tax or Union
a s I G ST, i n ca s e territory tax shall be u lised
balance is towards payment of
available integrated tax, central tax,
State tax or Union territory
iii. SGST can be used:

(a) For payment of tax
as SGST

16 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

GST Update

tax, as the case may be, only 29.03.2019 which seeks to SGST / UTGST. / requirement.
a er the input tax credit nullify the impact of change
available on account of and even the provision b) For u liza on of balance d) Set off ITC of CGST /
integrated tax has first been before 01.02.2019. IGST credit towards SGST / UTGST can be
u lised fully.” CGST / SGST / UTGST, u lized towards IGST,
a) ITC on IGST has to be there is no order of set CGST, SGST or UTGST
Dealers may, therefore, note first fully u lized off as earlier prescribed. but only a er fully
the following to be towards IGST and exhaus ng the ITC of
implemented w.e.f. balance towards CGST / c) Credit can be taken in any IGST.
order as per convenience

Following tables illustrate the new provision

U liza on of ITC w.e.f. 29.03.2019 (with no IGST outward liability) U liza on of ITC w.e.f. 29.03.2019 (with IGST outward liability)

In view of the legal provisions, depending upon the me, there are three sets of manner of u lizing Input tax credit i.e.,
01.07.2017 to 31.01.2019, 01.02.2019 to 28.03.2019 and from 29.03.2019 onwards. Taxpayers are advised to keep in mind the
provisions of Input tax credit depending upon the relevant period.

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 17

Perspective

Reserve a Seat - The Future of Mobility is Arriving Early

What happened in 2018, and what can we expect in 2019?

2018 could represent a manufacturers are s ll
dis nct pping point working to ensure safety
from thinking, talking about, requirements are met, they
and planning for future seem to have overcome major
mobility to implemen ng it. technology hurdles, and most
It’s the year when a firework of them made exci ng moves
of electric-vehicle (EV) in 2018. OEMs are seriously
launches began and charging considering AVs as a business.
infrastructure became solid in They reallocate capacity and
key regions; when cars their vehicle por olio to free
enabled by ar ficial up cash for AV investments,
intelligence (AI) began to restructure their
replace “dumb” ones; when organiza ons by moving key
we moved from advanced execu ves to AV business
driver-assistance systems to units, and are most aggressive
autonomous vehicles (AVs) in in forming partnerships with
real life; when the automo ve ci es and local municipali es.
and mobility industries
shi ed from a driver- or High cost is an ongoing
owner-focused value concern, however, which is
proposi on to a customer- one reason major
centered one; and when automo ve, high-tech, and
micro-mobility started to mobility players are teaming
scale up. up. The field is becoming
more crowded as well—for
Make the case that all four example, with all three of
ACES trends—autonomous China’s big tech players now
driving, connected cars, pursuing AVs.
electrifica on, and smart
mobility—made appreciable The pace of overall
advances in 2018, despite investment in future mobility
some setbacks. It was the year technology is accelera ng
when theore cal discussions greatly: between the periods
about the future of mobility of 2010 to 2013 and 2014 to
turned into concrete ac ons 2017, the average annual
across businesses, ci es, and investment across all
key world regions. Please join technologies jumped nearly
us in reviewing some of the sixfold, to $25.3 billion per
highlights from this singular year, from $4.3 billion per
year and exploring what the year. While investments in
future could bring. sharing and autonomous
solu ons account for much of
Autonomous vehicles this accelera on, investments
in hardware like sensors and
Possibly the furthest into the semiconductors are rather
future measured by large- stable, showing a steady trend
scale commercializa on, AVs of consolida on. (For a
s ll appear on track in terms deeper dive on the topic, see
of technology. While

18 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Perspective

“Analyzing start-up and for mul ple players to exist. Connected cars Industry stakeholders (and
investment trends in the It becomes clearer that most governments) increasingly
mobility ecosystem.”) AV companies plan to This is another trend in which seek to “stack hands” on
operate the fleet without the industry focus is shi ing standards while also finding
Overall, regula on remains major infrastructure from discussing to doing. new ways of coopera ng and
suppor ve of AVs. In 2018, measures. Mone zing all that car data is sharing data streams and
many regions adopted new a hot topic in this area, with cyber security. In one case,
defini ons that pave the way As the automo ve industry more companies exploring two ridesharing companies
for vehicles without steering transi ons from hardware- to the prospects for in-car have joined forces to share
wheels. We have also noted so ware-defined vehicles, payments. McKinsey’s ACES data with ci es.
that industry players are the average so ware and survey suggests that consumers
engaging in self-regula on electronics content per expect to spend nearly 30 Connected-car advances are
when AV crashes occur by vehicle is rapidly increasing. percent of their me in an AV forcing tradi onal automo ve
voluntarily suspending tes ng And AI will con nue to play an focused on entertainment companies to rethink car
ac vi es. Such responsibility important role. offers & online shopping. so ware and electronics
apparently does not go architecture, and several have
unno ced by consumers: in launched AI-supported
McKinsey’s recent ACES human–machine interfaces
survey, 42 percent of with a totally different level of
respondents had a posi ve user experience and truly
view of the technology. modular infotainment
pla orms, enabling also over-
Mobility and automo ve the-air updates at scale. Some
players increasingly focus on players keep pushing the
use cases to understand the boundaries of so ware and
imminent AV market, as compu ng power, with one
growing numbers of them EV company installing the
concentrate on bringing most advanced centraliza on
viable products to market as of compu ng power in a
soon as possible. Early water-cooled supercomputer.
target ci es include Phoenix Another key challenge
and San Francisco, and we involves efforts to integrate
are hearing much more future fi h-genera on
about so-called “geofenced” telecom technologies into
applica ons for use in connected-car pla orms.
airports and other similarly
enclosed venues. Electric vehicles
Companies are also working
out the bugs on specific AV Regula on remains the
applica ons, such as those primary market maker for EVs,
enabling AV fleets to offering substan al incen ves
relocate autonomous car as well as noncash benefits,
sharing vehicles at night in such as special-highway-lane
places like Eindhoven in the access and favorable licensing
Netherlands. It has become arrangements. This strong
clear that different players regulatory “push” helps to
explore different use make the EV pping point the
cases—from robo-taxis, most visible among the four
autonomous shu les, to ACES trends. More countries
private-campus and ci es are announcing
autonomous plans to ban the internal
shu les—which indicates combus on engine, and while
that this market offers room the European Union has

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 19

Perspective Several new EV OEMs opened
for business in 2018 (there are
proposed ambi ous now more than 60 EV brands
passenger-car and truck in China alone), and more are
carbon-dioxide (CO₂) slated to begin produc on in
reduc ons through 2030 this 2019. Focused primarily on
year, the United States is the passenger vehicles, a variety
only major government of players will also
focused on unwinding its concentrate on commercial
aspira onal CO₂ targets. vehicles. Tradi onal OEMs are
introducing an increasingly
Electric mobility follows the rich and a rac ve array of EV
same four-step evolu on as models, including cars, SUVs,
other disrup ve trends do. buses, and medium- and
Having reached a cri cal mass heavy-duty trucks. From a
of EVs, Norway is clearly regional perspec ve, China
ahead of other remains the EV-market leader,
countries—the EV disrup on with companies there gaining
is inevitable. Most other a 46 percent produc on-
countries are s ll in the first market share.
stage, except for China and
Sweden, which have already Smart or shared mobility
advanced to the second:
disrup on is somewhat more The “next big thing” in shared
clear, with the EV emerging as mobility could be rather
a validated model. (For more, small: micro-mobility. It
see “The global electric- involves the use of shared
vehicle market is amped up electric scooters, bicycles, and
and on the rise.”) other simple conveyances,
facilitated via special apps.
From a technology The industry has already
perspec ve, the EV industry a racted more than $1 billion
has moved from a wait-and- in investments. However, as
see mode to one focused on bike sharing services in China
doing—building plants, show, successful micro-
forging alliances, and making mobility plays require robust
acquisi ons. Ba eries and the organiza on and strong
raw materials to produce community and local
them remain a key EV government support.
challenge, and a wide variety
of companies around the In general, shared mobility
world are establishing offers ci es an outsize
produc on capacity. They are opportunity to solve some
also hammering out details cri cal problems, but le
regarding greater unmanaged, it could create
technological coopera on via some equally large
joint ventures and other types challenges. Meanwhile,
of alliances with governments several major automakers are
(as seen with charging pushing to take ac ve shared-
infrastructure) and new mobility roles and
mobility-industry players, restructuring their current
such as tech giants, chip mobility organiza ons to
makers, and ba ery create en rely new business
producers.

20 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Perspective

models, some mes in league exploring different designs mobility as a whole and of the As for connected cars, will
with major compe tors. and opera onal models. At four ACES trends in par cular. increasing connec vity
Other OEMs are pushing new the same me, we are seeing First, the general ques on: enable breakthroughs in
mobility-subscrip on models pioneers in this field move Will ci es build integrated certain use cases, such as
as well. toward opera onal tes ng, seamless mobility plans and, predic ve maintenance? Will
with one player announcing in the process, orchestrate players create business
The ride-hailing market flight tests in the center of ecosystems and drive the four models around connec vity
con nued to evolve in 2018, Singapore in the second half ACES trends to comple on as that create new levels of value
with major players focusing of 2019. All these advances elements of their own visions for consumers?
on fewer markets with greater are pushing regulators to of smart ci es?
market shares. The overall move at speeds unheard of Regarding electrifica on, how
lack of profitability of car before. Crea ng a safe and For AVs, how will the will the availability of many
sharing and ride-hailing reliable new mode of experiences of the first real- more EVs play out? Will it
businesses remains a central transporta on in the urban life applica ons influence the seem like a general market
industry challenge—one that environment will con nue to subsequent industry, and ramp-up, or will market
will become a more visible push all players to their limits. should mobility players focus shares of established OEMs
issue as major players prepare on managing the public versus new players change the
to launch ini al public All eyes on 2019 debate on the levels of retail market in fundamental
offerings. technology failure users will ways? What will happen to
As the next 12 months unfold, accept? Likewise, will we see a industry profitability?
A parallel industry and the pace of change in the convergence of driving
development involves freight mobility sector likely systems, and will clear Regarding smart and shared
sharing or truck sharing, quickens, we would like to “winners” emerge in the tech mobility, will use cases
especially when dealing with raise several key ques ons stack? emerge that can scale up
“last mile” deliveries. regarding the future of shared mobility in areas like
commu ng? Will
It has also been an exci ng established pla orm
year for urban aerial mobility, providers become the
personal air vehicles, electric winners behind mobility as
ver cal takeoff and landing, a service and new mobility
or, more informally, “flying pla orms? And finally, what
cars”—whichever term you will it take to establish a
prefer to describe new successful micro-mobility
vehicles transpor ng people business? As the future of
through the air in ci es and mobility begins to unfold,
their surroundings. On the companies, regulators, and
investment side, we have society alike will need to
seen the first triple-digit keep both eyes on the
investment round. Fueled by street in 2019 to manage
the increased funding and the technological
awareness, there are now disrup ons.
more than 100 companies

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 21

Competition Law

Competition Law Updates

European Commission (EC) 420crore penalty on Hyundai Suppliers to authorized dealers.
charges car part makers and stays the COMPAT’s On appeal, the Supreme Court
with a fine of USD 416 million direc ons to major car stayed the opera on of the
for price fixing manufacturers to open up COMPAT’s order on 8 February
supply of spare parts 2017. Hyundai’s appeal and
A er a detailed inves ga on those of the other three car
into allega ons of collusion in In July 2015, the CCI imposed a manufacturers have been listed
prices, the EC has fined two car penalty of Rs. 420.26 crore on next before the SC for hearing
parts suppliers, namely, TRW Hyundai Motors India Limited on 22 April 2019.
Automo ve and Autoliv EUR (Hyundai) for viola ng Sec ons
nearly EUR 368 million. The 3(4) and 4 of the Compe on EC to scru nize the car repairs
pair, along with a third supplier, Act for allegedly restric ng the market following the
Takata of Japan, were found to supply of genuine spare parts introduc on of new pricing
have colluded as suppliers of and diagnos c tools to so ware
seatbelts, airbags and steering individual service providers.
wheels to German auto giants The EC Commissioner, Ms.
Volkswagen and BMW between Upon approaching the Na onal Margrethe Vestager has noted
2007 and 2011.Takata, Company Law Appellate that the EC is studying the car
however, was granted Tribunal (NCLAT) in October, repairs market following the
complete immunity from Hyundai’s plea for a complete introduc on and use of new
penalty following its stay on the CCI’s Order was pricing so ware by automobile
coopera on with the EC in rejected. As a result of the manufacturers. However, it was
blowing the whistle on this NCLAT’s order, Hyundai was to also been noted that in this
cartel. deposit 10% of the penalty regard, no case has been
based on its total turnover. On opened yet. This scru ny comes
It was noted that this cartel appeal to the SC, a two-judge a er Renault, Jaguar Land
ul mately hurt European bench of the SC stayed the Rs. Rover, Peugeot and other
consumers and adversely 420 crore penalty on 17 carmakers increased revenues
impacted the compe veness November 2019. by more than $1 billion in the
of the European automo ve past decade from the use of a
sector, which employs around Separately, the Apex Court has sophis cated pricing so ware.
13 million people across the also stayed Compe on
European Union. These Appellate Tribunal’s (COMPAT) This so ware iden fies which
proceedings are the latest in a order that imposed penalty on spare parts in a manufacturer`s
series of commission fines 3 other car companies – Toyota, range of customers would be
against car-part suppliers, Ford and Nissan. The COMPAT content to pay more for, how
which now total EUR 2.15 by its order dated 09 December much to raise prices by and
billion since 2013. It may also 2016 concurred with the which prices should not be
be noted that it is the second findings of the CCI and directed hiked. In this regard, Renault,
Ford, Toyota and Nissan to Jaguar Land Rover and Peugeot
me that Autoliv and TRW remove all restric ons imposed said that these pricing
Automo ve have been fined for through agreements on auto strategies were legal, did not
such similar allega ons, the parts suppliers so as to open up take advantage of car owners,
first me being in 2005. the market for spare parts and and were focussed on
remove all restric ons on efficiency.
Supreme Court stays a Rs. supply by Original Equipment

22 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in



Digitisation

Why Digital Retail Is Great News for Automotive:
Digital Dealer

It’s pre y much impossible Each of these defini ons whenever they want, they can and which don’t. They can
these days to talk about contains a kernel of truth: access a world of informa on, even track in-store behaviour,
automo ve without talking personalizing, digi zing, and and they can send ques ons such as which areas get high
about digital retail solu ons. looking to future trends are all to Facebook chat with instant foot traffic and how many
That’s not surprising, now important goals. At the same answers. They also can expect customers arrive each hour.
that 80% of car shopping product sugges ons, ads, and So, while it’s true that buyers
touchpoints have moved me, each of them misses the dynamic websites that expect more, sellers also are
online. But it can be hard to fundamental change that the respond to their interests. able to align service with
pin down what digital retail digital transforma on has Shopping, especially online customer needs like never
actually means for brought to retail. It’s not shopping has become a much before – and that can be a
automo ve. Some define it as about the exact amount of be er experience. major win for dealerships.
actually buying a car online, technology your dealerships
urging dealerships to prepare uses, or the exact percentage On the business end, What digital retail means,
for a massive shi . Others, of the process that moves providing for all these new and why it ma ers for your
no ng that 70% of car online. Instead, we need to customer needs is a dealership?
shoppers would never buy understand what has really challenge, and can feel like a
before seeing the car in changed in the move to a race to meet the latest Digital retail for auto, then, is
person, define digital retail as digital shopping experience. demand. But the digital about a change in mindset: it’s
digi zing as much of the car transforma on offers a the shi to a more customer-
shopper’s pre-sale journey as How has digital retail significant benefit for retailers centric model, powered by
possible. Others are s ll wary changed shopping? as well: they now have more data. Retail industry
of overly digi zing, using the insight than ever into what influencer Nikki Baird
personaliza on lessons of Let’s look at two perspec ves: customers want. They can helpfully talks about this in
digital to create a be er in- the shopper ’s, and the track behaviour online. They terms of the “digital value
person customer experience retailer’s. For shoppers across can see impressions, clicks, chain,” where sellers focus on
without relying too much on industries, digital has brought and conversions from website collec ng data, turning data
technology. unprecedented convenience campaigns. They can tell into insight, and insight into
and personaliza on. They can which ads generate responses ac on. In other words, digital
shop from their phones

24 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Digitisation

retail means collec ng as Google Analy cs and shoppers on their shopping behaviour– so it’s hard to see
much data as possible, and heatmaps allow you to see journey and which ones are which ads actually lead to sales.
then learning from that data what users are doing onsite, not worth it. When tracking
to create smarter strategies. and whether they are finding lead capture tools, no ce not Conversion tools o en don’t
what they need or ge ng only how many conversions communicate with each
Thinking about digital retail frustrated. they bring, but also whether other, so customers keep
this way allows your they are related to a higher ge ng asked to enter the
dealership to take a proac ve You might discover that one of bounce rate or shorter site same informa on or seeing
approach. Instead of your lead forms asks for too visit. Track if people are using offers that are not relevant.
scrambling to catch up with much, and your shoppers are your chat tools or closing All of these disconnects
the latest trend, you can take a not willing to fill it out. You’ll them immediately. Ask your interfere with a process that
step back and think: how can then have the opportunity to in-store customers if they find should be seamless. To
you use data to understand streamline the form & ensure your F&I so ware helpful. You whatever extent possible,
your customers be er? What it’s actually helping customers can even visit your site, taking data sources need to be
pain points do you now have achieve their goals. You might on different personas and connected for a larger picture
the ability to address, and find that users are ignoring a experiencing your tools to see of the whole customer
what tools can you use to par cular bu on and what it’s really like for your journey. Smoothing bumps in
address them? And finally, reconsider the placement or customers. Just because a tool this path provides the ability
how can you use data to build language. You might find that is digital doesn’t mean it’s to understand customers
a more strategic marke ng certain pages are not ge ng helpful. Anything that’s not be er, and to be more
plan? The digital enough traffic and analyze furthering your dealership’s strategic at every stage of
transforma on means being why. These insights help you goals should be re-evaluated. marke ng.
able to reach customers more provide a be er online
successfully– and sell more experience for your shoppers Follow the en re customer Across industries, the digital
cars as a result. – and smarter strategies for journey transforma on is forcing
engaging your online businesses to rethink their
Here are some prac cal ways shoppers. O en, data tracking systems strategies. Luckily, the shi to
to employ this proac ve, do not communicate with digital can be an amazing
data-driven approach: Use tech that actually helps each other, which can make opportunity for growth. It can
your customers– and you for a s lted customer allow your dealership to use
Find the pain points on your experience. For example, a data to provide more for your
website There are so many digital tools customer’s on-site behaviour customers– while they
these days that choosing can may not be recorded properly provide you with the data you
Shoppers use your website to be overwhelming. Your in the CRM, so follow-up need to keep improving your
do hours of research before customer data can help you conversa ons end up being business. Digital is about
coming to your showroom, so choose which tools are repe ve. Or ad tracking is insight– and insight is the key
giving them the best online actually helping your not integrated with website to success.
experience possible is crucial.
A focus on data makes it easier
to figure out what’s working
on your website, and what’s
not. Gather user data that
answers these ques ons: Are
you ge ng high VDP views
from expensive ad
campaigns? What is the
bounce rate on paid traffic vs.
organic? Are shoppers
scrolling the way you expect
them to and clicking your
CTAs? Are conversion tools
engaging or are they just
ge ng in the way? Digital
tracking tools including

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 25

Women Empowerment

How Women are Powering their Way into the Workplace

NEETI SARKAR pursue a career in a not. Perhaps such biases were
government test laboratory. held strongly in the past, but
CEO & one can clearly see a
Project Director This changed deligh ully when progressive difference in
National Automotive I joined the Indian Civil percep on that has come
Testing and R&D Services, which was extremely about from my grandmother’s
Infrastructure Project civil to me and many other genera on, when even the
(NATRiP) women that I know. For years, choice of the subject to be
one served as an officer of the studied by the daughter of the
This is an important topic government at various levels house had to be carefully
— the emerging role of and capaci es, facing difficult weighed, to my mother's
women in the automo ve challenges some mes, genera on, when the choice
world where more women are enjoying rewarding was open much wider. It has,
fiercely breaking into male assignments at other mes but perhaps, come a full circle
bas ons, are more visible now without ever facing any gender when my daughter states with
andsuccessfulthaneverbefore. bias, save a bit here and there. great convic on that she
Even when a ques on arose wishes to study Home Science
But are these just clichés? I whether a certain lady officer and Fashion.
tried to use my own life could be entrusted to lead a
experiences to si through par cular me-bound While we teased and laughed
the chaff and see if things engineering assignment, the about how she was the granny
have actually changed. I same was se led on the reincarnate, the fact remains
revisited vivid memories of principle of competence . that freedom to choose a
how the elderly women in the subject of study or a career to
extended family incessantly There do exist common pursue has finally been
advised my mother on the beliefs in society about jobs earned by the women in many
fu lity of le ng the girls of which are considered suitable more Indian households than
the house study Science and desirable for girls and ever before.
instead of Home Science, how women and those that are
several rela ves were upset at
the daughter being sent to a
residen al co-ed college to
study Engineering, or how the
neighbours whispered behind
about a certain unmarried
young woman who lived alone
in a rented accommoda on to

26 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Women Empowerment

This topic is worth reflec ng and those men who provided paramilitary, we have their contribu ons being
to assess the distance that we, them with the necessary dedicated all-women progressively acknowledged.
as a society, have traversed in support, in showing the way ba alions in the BSF and CRPF,
recognising capability and forward to today’s genera on to name a few, that par cipate The contribu on of women
competence, rising above of daughters, sisters, wives, in ac ve defence and combat. comes not only through their
several biases. Today is an daughters-in-law & colleagues The all-women police sta ons single-minded focus,
opportune moment to in pursuing their desire and have lent a whole new persistent hard work and
reassure the young aspirants excelling in their chosen fields. meaning to policing with a integrity but also from the
and their families that it’s human touch and are proving value they add through their
perfectly okay for children to When women were veryeffec veinthecommunity. unique ways of bringing in
pursue their interests and grudgingly given entry in the Making an impact collabora on and equity;
excel, even if such fields are Armed Forces, very limited progressively from designing cues to
not the conven onal ones. avenues were available. But The automo ve world is no common-sense solu ons,
today a er about 35 years, different. Even though there from crea ng cheerful and
We recognise with gra tude, women are doing sterling may have been biases earlier, communica ve working
the contribu on of such work not just as doctors and the number of women in this environment to offering
women who had the courage legal experts but also as sector is steadily rising and percep vely unique
to break free from conven ons fighter pilots. Today in the intui on. The automo ve
From the shopflooor to industry is surely poised to
dealerships, women are benefit from this veritable
making an impact in the goldmine.
automotive value chain.
The government has
Changing trends: The certainly lent a helping hand
automotive electrical in easing the induc on of
domain also offers bright women in the erstwhile
career opportunities for male-dominated workspace
girl students in what is at various levels in the private
still a male-dominated sector. Amendment to the
industry in India Companies Act making
mandatory the presence of a
lady on the Board of big
companies, the maternity
benefits aimed at mi ga ng
the loss in employment or
posi on of women
employees and providing the
much-needed relief during
childbirth and early neonatal
care, along with Mudra Loans
and Startup India are some of
the notable men ons that
are immensely helping
entrepreneurial women,
even at grassroots level.

To wrap up, my message to
both the women and men of
today is simple: to rise and
shine with their own unique
talents and competencies and
to always have respect and
regard for each other in order
to progress with everlas ng
harmony.

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 27

Know Our Member

Joshi Automotives Pvt Ltd, Chandigarh

Vikram Joshi, CEO of Joshi boast of all modern gadgets & opera ons, performing experience in automobile,
Automo ves Pvt Ltd took fixtures. The workshops are various func ons with a started his career as an
courage to take up every equipped with state-of-the- missionary zeal and driving employee in Maru Service
opportunity when it came his art machines & tools and the growth thereof. The Sta on in 1987 and went on to
way and in short span of me manned by competent employees are well-trained to establish his own Maru
made a niche in the technicians for precise fault cater to the diverse needs of dealership in 1997 and earned a
automobile market. iden fica on, repair and the customers and work with name to reckon with in the
service of vehicles. The enthusiasm to keep their automobile segment in his area
Joshi Automo ves P Ltd under dealerships offer an customers happy and of opera on and in nearby
the display name Harmony environment that has set new delighted. areasinashortspanof me.
Honda, a life member of benchmarks in terms of
Federa on of Automobile ambience, comfort and Customer sa sfac on is the Vikram Joshi
Dealers Associa ons, is a 3S service. mantra for the growth and
facility for Honda Cars India P success of Joshi Automo ves. Thanks to his hands-on
Ltd and is located at Plot No. The dealership features the Responding to the customer experience and excellent
67, Industrial Area Phase II latest Honda cars on display needs promptly; providing on- rela onship with the
Chandigarh-16002. and for test drives. Erstwhile site support to the customers customers in passenger
customers are provided the in the outskirts of their vehicle market, Joshi was
Joshi Automo ves test drive service to help them network; regular follow-up approached by Honda for
established in 2006 offers a get the on the road feel of with and feedback from their dealership in Chandigarh
full-fledged 3S (Sales, Service their favourite Honda Car customers on the level & region. Joshi has not looked
& Spares) facility that is which they intent to purchase. quality of service; driver back since then and has been
associated with Honda training; and periodic loan able to sell not only a new
vehicles worldwide. The Together the dealerships sold melas and road shows product in the market, but has
dealership goal is to create a over 1500 new cars and organised by Joshi also been successful in forging
convenient, one-stop serviced over 25000 cars in Automo ves, have helped the strong bonds with his
shopping environment to FY’19 achieving a cumula ve dealership build las ng customers by providing high
cater to all the automo ve turnover of Rs.160 Crore. The rela onships with their quality of service. He has
needs of the Honda Customer. dealership has also won over customers. proved me and again that
Hence, with- in a short span of 101 Awards in various fields of with an in-depth knowledge
10 plus years, Joshi became a Sales & Service ac vi es Vikram Joshi, a post graduate in of the market and customer
house hold name by winning during its years of opera ons. Marke ng & Sales rela ons, everything is
customer's confidence with Management from Punjab a ainable.
its unsurpassed services. The 3 dealerships together University is the principal We, in F A D A, wish Vikram
have on their rolls over 400 person running the show. Joshi Joshi to scale greater heights!
A er having started Honda dedicated employees, who with more than 30 years of
Car Dealership at Chandigarh, support the dealership
the dealership opened 3S
facili es at Panchkula and
Mohali as well to serve its
customers be er. The
dealership also deals with pre-
owned cars from its sales
outlets at Chandigarh,
Panchkula & Mohali As a
result, the dealership earned
a place for itself not only in the
Chandigarh Tricity but the
en re north region.

The elegant showrooms are
aesthe cally designed and

28 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in









Govt. Circular

Third Party Insurance Cover Won’t Be Increased This Year

IRDA Ref No. IRDA/NL/ORD/MOTP/051/03/2019 dated 28 March 2019

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 33

Te c h n o l o g y

5G, C-V2X and Mobile Edge Computing Can Better
Protect All Road Users

At the 2019 Mobile
World Congress (MWC)
in Barcelona (February 25-
28), technology company
Con nental and
telecommunica ons group
Vodafone will showcase the
first results of their
innova on partnership and
demonstrate how new
communica on
technologies can prevent
thousands of accidents
every year.

Last years, the partners One of the application scenarios researched by Vodafone and Continental
announced that they would is the digital safety-shield, which increases road safety.
be working together to
increase road safety. The were cyclists and V2X and mobile edge beginning of the 2020s. Cars
first results confirm this – pedestrians. Thereof, more compu ng, allow a large will become smartphones
state-of-the-art than 30 cyclists died in the number of road users to on wheels, with sensors and
communica ons same year solely because communicate with each cameras that communicate
technologies such as 5G, turning trucks or buses other at the same me, in real me via mobile
cellular vehicle-to- crossed their paths. bringing us much closer to communica ons, warn of
everything (C-V2X) and our goal. Together with dangers and protect us,”
mobile edge compu ng help “We are working Vodafone, we can bring says Hannes Ametsreiter,
to be er protect all road strenuously every day to about a revolu on in road CEO of Vodafone Germany.
users. The 5G-ready tests reduce the poten al risks for safety.”
are taking place under real- vulnerable road users,” says New possibili es for
life condi ons at Vodafone’s Johann Hiebl, head of the “Our vision of a world accident preven on
5G Mobility Lab in Con nental Body & Security without traffic fatali es,
Aldenhoven, Germany. A and Infotainment & without accidents and 5G enables bandwidths of
start of series produc on Connec vity business units. without traffic jams is up to 10 gigabits per second,
based on these technologies “ To this end, we are increasingly becoming allowing for things such as
is planned for the beginning ensuring the best possible reality. Following successful real- me video streaming.
of the 2020s. connec vity of vehicles with tests with our partner The C-V2X mobile
each other and with their Con nental, there could be communica ons technology
Even though the number of environment. cars on our streets that offer exploits the full poten al of
traffic fatali es has been Communica on all road users more safety connected and intelligent
falling for years as a result of technologies, such as 5G, C- from as early as the mobility thanks to a
ever be er safety and
assistance systems, the
number of road accidents is
rising. Vulnerable road users
are par cularly affected. For
example, about a quarter of
traffic fatali es recorded by
the German Federal
Sta s cal Office in 2017

34 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Te c h n o l o g y

combina on of direct and intelligence on the network road users in the vicinity are presented by Con nental
network-based side (mobile edge warned. and Vodafone in Barcelona is
communica on between compu ng), which a traffic jam warning system.
vehicles, infrastructure and recognize the inten ons of Mobile edge compu ng also Vehicles approaching the
vulnerable road users. pedestrians and cyclists, relieves compu ng end of a traffic jam are
also provide more capaci es in the vehicle and no fied of the obstacle long
One of the applica on protec on for pedestrians the higher-level data before they reach it. In this
scenarios researched by and cyclists. These centers. It also renders way, speed can be reduced
Vodafone and Con nental is technologies can detect, for expensive chipsets in sooner and dangerous
the digital safety-shield. example, a child who vehicles unnecessary. “We emergency braking can be
Road users are equipped suddenly runs into the road have tested this system in prevented.
with a communica ons chasing a ball or a person the 5G Mobility Lab and the
module – for cyclists and lying on the street. However, results are promising,” Many of these func ons
pedestrians this is a the data generated requires explains Hiebl. tested by Vodafone and
smartphone, and for cars a not only intelligent Con nental can already be
special V2X module. The evalua on, but also The view through the implemented with the
road users exchange their lightning-fast data vehicle in front exis ng LTE network, which
posi on and direc on of transmission in the allows higher data
travel via a mobile network millisecond range. This is Furthermore, the tests transmission rates through
base sta on. If the system achieved by combining 5G confirmed that the new planned extensions.
detects that paths are technology with mobile communica on Developers are talking about
crossing dangerously, it edge compu ng. Small 5G technologies can also be LTE Advanced or 4.5G, and
issues a warning. This data centers with extremely used to make visible visual are calling their solu ons
system is also able to protect short access mes near to obstruc ons in road traffic. “5G-Ready.” In the future,
cyclists from dangerous cell towers allow analyses to The system uses the camera LTE and 5G technologies will
accidents as a result of be carried out almost in real footage from a vehicle in complement each other in
vehicles turning across their front to alert the following road traffic as best as
path. me with the aid of ar ficial vehicles of oncoming traffic, possible to enable me-
intelligence. If the situa on e.g. before overtaking on a cri cal communica on
Cameras built into the is actually dangerous, the country road. between vehicles.
vehicle and ar ficial detected vehicle and other
Another applica on

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 35

Automotive & Mobility

Rethinking How Cars Are Built - With Modern

Consumers in Mind - The Boston Consulting Group

Blame it on smartphones. investment in factories and automakers must now take a components and so ware
Consumers are so tools. This model worked different approach. They must features account for the lion’s
accustomed to ge ng new when cars had predominantly adopt systems engineering, share of automakers’ recalls.
features through frequent electro-mechanical parts, an interdisciplinary method Without a wholesale change,
so ware updates that they most components worked for designing and managing it’s easy to imagine the
want upgrades for other primarily independently, and complex systems over their problems ge ng worse as
things to be just as fast and consumers did not expect life cycles. Using systems companies add even more
easy, including cars. That vehicles to change much from engineering to be er organize electronics to keep up with
demand, coupled with the year to year. and run vehicle produc on both consumer demand and
fact that newer so ware- includes crea ng a product the push to get highly
based features can be In the ensuing 20 years, architecture with automated self-driving
refreshed more o en than though, cars have become interchangeable modules that vehicles on the road by the
hardware, is rendering highly so ware-driven, can be used to update end of the next decade.
automakers’ exis ng requiring mul ple so ware more o en than
engineering opera ons passé. components and so ware hardware. It entails AUTO ENGINEERING
systems to work together. reorien ng research to what OPERATIONS FACE
Two decades ago, car makers Today’s cars have connected- consumers want and bringing MOUNTING PRESSURES
realized that, in order to car services such as internet- an engineering workforce’s
operate efficiently, they had based naviga on and skills in line with what’s Car companies are naviga ng
to engineer cars as modular infotainment systems, and, needed to make those and
units with components that like smartphones, features other changes. mul ple, o en compe ng,
could be used across their that can be upgraded quickly
en re por olio of vehicles. based on consumer demand. Car makers have begun to trends that affect new car
Under this model, With over-the-air firmware adopt some of these
components such as air updates, in-vehicle elements. However, features and how they are
suspension, brake systems, infotainment (IVI) systems can companies that adopt all of
and dashboard displays get updates almost as o en as them can gain a major built.
debuted at the same me, smartphones. compe ve advantage in the
most o en on the latest high- form of lower costs and lower To be compe ve,
end models. In addi on to To keep pace with consumer risk of problems that result in automakers must sell more of
being efficient, it let a demand and to develop recalls. Already today, the features that consumers
company maximize its capital integrated modular integrated electronic want, which today means
components effec vely, connected-car services and
cars with electric motors,
ADAS, and autonomous-
vehicle technology. BCG
research shows that on

36 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Automotive & Mobility

average, 62% of buyers features that customers billion a year on R&D for bo om line. That meline
globally would pay up to want with spending on electric and electronic worked when automakers
$5,000 more for a fully self- updates for tradi onal components and so ware. introduced new car models
driving car. (See Exhibit 1.) modules. every seven years or so. But as
TODAY’S ENGINEERING innova on cycles speed up,
Consumer interest in ADAS Meanwhile, problems with FUNCTION IS NEITHER customers expect to see new
and connected features is electronics and so ware- CONSUMER-FOCUSED NOR features more o en, and on
reflected in the greater based features are increasing. COLLABORATIVE more cars than just the top-
amount of news media Through our work with In order to address the trends end models. Some car makers
coverage of the technologies clients, we have seen that up and challenges outlined are already responding. One
compared with coverage of to 90% of problems that occur above, engineering manufacturer, for example,
tradi onal differen ators, while a company is preparing opera ons must become introduced natural-language
such as engine size and trim to start manufacturing a new more consumer-focused and voice controls in its least
line. For example, natural- model are related to collabora ve. expensive car. Car makers that
language processing systems electronics and so ware. In Many engineering can’t deliver new features
that use voice commands to addi on, close to a third of organiza ons s ll add more o en run the risk of
control vehicle opera ons, auto recalls could be features simply because losing market share to
such as Apple’s Siri and addressed through over-the- they’re technically compe tors that can.
Amazon’s Alexa, have air so ware fixes, possible—not because
received intense news represen ng a poten al $6 consumers want them. For Most automakers con nue to
coverage. billion savings, according to example, some automakers maintain separate
Automakers also must add ABI Research. sell all-wheel-drive cars with engineering teams for
new features that meet Automakers already devote torque vectoring, a different components and
consumer interest in significant resources to performance booster typically so ware, which leads to
connec vity and IVI systems. electronic components found on sports cars, even problems syncing up the
They must incorporate research and development, though BCG research has systems and to mis-
autonomous-vehicle and fixing problems with new shown that most drivers don’t communica on between
technology as well, because systems could create more of even know what it is. work teams. The disconnects
almost one-quarter of all new a drain. Today, electronic Historically, automakers can also cause issues for ADAS
cars will either be fully components account for clustered features on the features such as parking
autonomous or include at about 35% of a car’s materials same development and assist, which are built on
least some self-driving costs, a share that is expected release cycle because mul ple components,
features by 2035. to increase to more than 50% consumers expected new car including the car’s central
At the same me, however, by 2030. By our es mates, for models to have the latest computer processor, sensors
car companies are grappling example, a large automaker updates and were willing to embedded in side fenders, the
with ghter engineering with annual revenues of $70 pay a premium for them, backup camera, and sonar
budgets. One of the biggest billion to $100 billion and a $4 which benefited a company’s warning system.
ba les is balancing spending billion annual engineering
on components for the new budget would spend up to $2 Finally, engineering personnel
lack the digital skills that are
needed to reorient opera ons
to put customers first.
Typically, these workers are
able to assess vehicle
a ributes such as vehicle
dynamics, perform tests, and
develop modular
components. But only around
7% of engineers at major
automakers rate themselves
as proficient in such areas as
data analy cs and
programming, according to
BCG analysis. This figure

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 37

Automotive & Mobility

highlights a gap that vehicle models. In the future, electronic architecture, given systems and tes ng
automakers will need to fix, they also could use the the high levels of funding and procedures to ensure that the
given that they spend almost architectures to add updated prepara on involved. new features func on as they
50% of their engineering hardware or other features to are intended.
budgets on electronics and exis ng cars, poten ally Once the dissocia on from
so ware development. extending the vehicles’ hardware updates is Redirect product development
lifespans. complete, so ware updates with research. As part of
KEY STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTING should occur at designated adop ng a systems
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Develop separate melines points in a vehicle’s life cycle. engineering orienta on,
for upda ng hardware and For example, if a car maker companies must refocus
Adop ng a systems so ware. Once the product expects to produce a vehicle engineering on the customer
engineering approach to auto architecture is in place, model for five years with one in order to deliver features
produc on requires hardware and so ware midcycle update, so ware that consumers want and use.
transi oning to a different updates can be uncoupled so updates could take place To balance what people want
product architecture, that electronics can be twice a year and coincide with with the cost of offering those
uncoupling hardware and upgraded at will, similar to the the midcycle hardware features, automakers can
so ware produc on way that smartphone makers update. In addi on, updates conduct quan ta ve
update opera ng-system for such issues as bug fixes consumer research to
melines, redoing the so ware independently from and non-safety-related determine the value of such a
structure of the engineering introducing new devices. consumer-facing features feature—that is, the price that
organiza on, and upda ng Some automakers are already could be implemented as a driver would pay for it.
workforce skills—all set using over-the-air updates to needed. Determining value was easier
against the backdrop of be er refresh naviga on-system when features were
research into the features that so ware regardless of when Tier-one automo ve suppliers hardware-based because the
consumers want and will pay new car models are also have begun separa ng material cost was simpler to
for. introduced. hardware and so ware calculate. But so ware-based
development. An ADAS features might have value
Create a product architecture As part of this change, supplier, for example, might over and above the material
that allows for interchangeable automakers are beginning to have one team building cost of producing them, such
modules. This type of physically relocate the hardware and a second team as parking assist.
architecture works on the so ware that regulates building the so ware
same principle as toy building hardware programming and recogni on algorithms that Automakers can use connected
blocks, such as Legos: updates. They are detaching sync with the hardware but -car services to collect data on
although some components the various types of so ware are updated more o en. exis ng car owners’ driving
might be simple and others from the devices that they run habits and analyze the data to
complex, they all plug into the and clustering them together Automakers that separate quan fy the features that
same grid and work together in central computer units. We hardware and so ware exis ng drivers use the most.
regardless of when they were expect that automakers will updates to add new features That informa on could help
made. Consider the sensors need four to five years to fully to exis ng cars will also need the company priori ze which
that regulate lane-change or adopt this new electrical and to add quality assurance new features to add on the
blind-spot monitoring
systems, which are embedded
in a vehicle’s front, side, and
rear bumpers and trim. If the
sensors are built on a
universal product
architecture, in a near-future
scenario old components
could be replaced with new
ones when the car’s owner
brings it into the shop for
rou ne maintenance.

We expect car makers to
ini ally use universal product
architectures to build new

38 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Automotive & Mobility

basis of what future car what the company offers in a manage the changes that automakers need to adopt
owners might be willing to pay mely manner. accompany adap ng to a new their own guidelines to
for. way of working. make sure that those
These changes are features meet technical and
Reorganize engineering fundamental to how Build a catalogue of features safety requirements.
organiza ons and update engineering operates, and and func ons. Similar to
employee skills. To carry out could yield significant crea ng a catalogue of Because of smartphones,
these changes, automakers economic benefits, so modular components, map consumers have become
need to restructure companies must learn to out a catalogue of features comfortable receiving
engineering opera ons. They manage the transforma on and func ons, and indicate opera ng-system so ware
should add new teams to themselves without relying how they will be managed. updates more o en than
exis ng module-based teams on outside suppliers. Un l The catalogue should they buy new devices, a
and make the new members they have developed describe who owns key mindset that has recast their
responsible for the specific sufficient in-house features and func ons and rela onships with other
so ware features that are resources, however, what measures will be taken things they use every day,
associated with those companies may want to team to make sure they are including cars. Automakers
modules. (See Exhibit 2.) As up with an outside partner to consistent across the must restructure their
part of this, automakers need fill the gap. Ul mately, car company’s vehicle por olio. It engineering opera ons to be
to set up protocols and companies must bring this also should describe how more responsive to changing
communica ons channels to exper se in-house or seek updates will be scheduled and consumer demands and to
ensure that the teams and the partnerships with other managed so they are current keep up with the
products they create come automakers, though, since it and pass quality inspec ons complexi es that arise from
together properly. In addi on, will give them an edge over throughout their lifespans. building vehicles with more
they need to create new compe tors that are slower electric and electronic
quality-assurance tests for to complete their own Define the new organiza onal components.
making sure that over-the-air transforma on process. model. To sync the
feature updates work. development of features and Some automakers and er-
GETTING STARTED WITH func ons with that of related one suppliers have already
Teams responsible for SYSTEMS ENGINEERING hardware modules, include adopted parts of a systems
specific features need precise direc ons for how the engineering approach to the
autonomy to control their Before they can apply systems work and responsibili es will produc on of new vehicles. To
work. One way to provide for engineering across their be assigned. Uncertain es succeed, they must switch
that and to ensure that the en re engineering about who does what are en rely to a pla orm-based
finished product delivers on organiza on, automakers some of the biggest stumbling architecture and unbundle
expecta ons and goals is to must make sure they have the blocks to successfully component updates. They
adopt agile ways of working. basics in place. adop ng systems must also op mize
Agile is a process for ge ng engineering, so it’s cri cal to engineering for cross-team
work done that uses cross- Lay the groundwork. Create a get this right. collabora ons and hire or
func onal teams, minimum product architecture and a retrain personnel so they have
viable products, rapid catalogue of modular Create procedures to the right skills. For such a
updates, and frequent components, and then decide ensure over-the-air monumental shi to be
feedback. Along with helping how to decouple the refresh features meet regulatory successful, these ac vi es
employees adopt agile ways cadence of hardware and standards. Hardware cannot be entrusted to a
of working, automakers need so ware components. modules for established skunkworks project with a few
to provide more of their driving func ons, such as dozen people, a peripheral
engineering organiza ons Start with cri cal features. braking, are governed by business unit, or a joint
with digital skills in areas Before introducing it processes and procedures venture with an outside
such as model development throughout the en re that ensure those modules partner—especially if the
and so ware tes ng. They organiza on, first roll out meet regulatory approvals. majority of engineers
also need to have staff who systems engineering in one Similar processes and con nues doing things in the
know how to track what car cri cal consumer feature, procedures for so ware- t ra d i o n a l m a n n e r.
owners want and can pick up such as ADAS or IVI. Star ng based features that can be Automakers that fail to go big
on changing consumer small ensures that resources updated over the air, will risk being outrun by the
sen ments in order to adjust are deployed for high-value however, have yet to be compe on.
opportuni es. It also ensures created. Un l they are,
that the organiza on can

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 39

Consumer Case Study

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission,
New Delhi

MR PREM NARAIN, Consumer Protec on Act, 1986 - Sec on 21 - Revision - The Respondent-cum-Complainant
Presiding Member insured his Tata 2515 having registra on No. RJ 14 GD 5093 with the pe oner Insurance
Company with IDV of 18,00,000 having validity period from 12.01.2011 to 11.01.2012 - The
Shriram General vehicle was stolen on 18.03.2011 and the same was recovered on 09.08.2011 by the police -
Insurance Co. Ltd. – The inves gator inspected the vehicle and found to be in safe and sound condi on - The
Petitioner surveyor appointed by the Insurance company gave his report on 25.11.2011 wherein he
assessed loss for Rs. 1,03,650. However, Insurance Company offered to se le the claim for Rs.
Versus 1,00,000 a er deduc ng Rs. 3,650 towards delayed in ma on to the Insurance Company -
However, the Complainant did not accept the proposal and filed a consumer complaint - On
Suresh Kumar – hearing the par es the complaint was allowed direc ng the OP to pay the amount of Rs.
Respondent 1,03,650 with interest, compensa on and costs - Aggrieved with this order both the
Complainant and the OP preferred appeals - Appeal filed by the Complainant was allowed
Revision Petition No. 598 direc ng the PP to pay an addi onal amount of Rs. 3,50,000 with interest and costs etc., -
of 2015 Hence, the present revision by the OP - Heard Counsels, perused the documents and the
Decided on 04/01/2019 record - It is held that though the report of the surveyor cannot be discarded without any
(Against the Order dated cogent reasons, OP in the present case, the surveyor has not given sound reasons for totally
16/12/2014 in Appeal No. disallowing some of the essen al items like gearbox assembly and propeller sha , etc.,
430/2014 of the State which were disallowed - Hence, the report of the surveyor cannot be accepted as it is, and
Commission Rajasthan) requires jus fiable modifica on. Hence, the Revision Pe on is party allowed and the order
of the State Commission is modified to the extent that the figure of Rs. 3,50,000 will stand
subs tuted with figure of Rs. 1,78,800 and rest of the order of the State Commission remains
unchanged .

Result: Revision Pe on is allowed with a modifica on.

IMPORTANT POINT: If the orders of the lower fora are illegal and based on no evidence,
the same is liable to be modified in exercise of Revisional Jurisdic on.

Prem Narain - his Revision Rs.18,00,000 and validity his report on 25.11.2011
Pe on has been filed by period from 12.01.2011 to wherein he assessed loss for
the pe oner Insurance 11.01.2012. The vehicle was Rs.1,03,650. Insurance
Company against the order stolen on 18.03.2011 and the Company offered to se le the
dated 16.12.2014 passed by same was recovered on claim for Rs.1,00,000 a er
the State Consumer Disputes 09.08.2011 by the police. The deduc ng Rs.3,650 towards
Redressal Commission, inves gator appointed by the delayed in ma on to the
Rajasthan, (in short ‘the State Insurance Company Insurance Company. However,
Commission’) in FA No.430 of submi ed report on the Complainant did not
2014. 19.08.2011 wherein he stated accept the proposal and filed
that as per physical a consumer complaint before
2. Brief facts of the case are verifica on of the vehicle and the District Consumer
that the Respondent as per photographs the Disputes Redressal Forum,
Complainant insured his vehicle has been recovered in Jaipur, (in short ‘the District
vehicle Tata 2515 having safe and sound condi on. Forum’) which was allowed by
registra on No.RJ 14 GD 5093 The surveyor appointed by the District Forum vide its order
with the Pe oner Insurance the Insurance Company gave dated 13.3.2014 as follows:-
Company with IDV of

40 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Consumer Case Study

“Therefore, in the complaint counsel for the Pe oner as therefore the surveyor ’s by the surveyor but the
of the Complainant is allowed, well as for the Respondent report cannot be rejected. surveyor did not allow any
OP is ordered that it will pay and perused record. Learned Learned counsel men oned amount for these parts. The
an amount of Rs. 103,650 counsel for the Pe oner that surveyors are appointed surveyor also reduced the
(Rupees one lakh three stated that the vehicle was under the provisions of the amount of most of the
thousand six hundred fi y recovered in safe and sound Insurance Act, 1938 and their components and labour
only) to the Complainant condi on as reported by the report cannot be brushed charges as given in the
within two months from the inves gator and the surveyor aside without any cogent es mate. Therefore, the
date of this order along with has considered the es mate reasons. Had the Complainant State Commission has
interest at the rate of 9% per given by the Complainant to supplied the actual bills of considered all these aspects
annum from the date of assess the loss. As per the repairs, then obviously, and has awarded Rs. 3,50,000
ins tu on of complaint dated terms of the policy, all the surveyor’s report could have to the Complainant in
5/01/2012 and pay Rs. 50,000 rubber parts are to be been countered and the claim addi on to the loss assessed
(Rupees fi y thousand only) considered at the may have been se led on the by the surveyor and awarded
as compensa on for mental deprecia on of 50% and items basis of the actual bills. by the District Forum.
agony and li ga on expenses which are damaged due to Without any actual bills, the
Rs. 5,000 (Rupees five normal wear and tear are not State Commission has 8. I h a v e c a r e f u l l y
thousand only).” to be allowed. Accordingly, enhanced the compensa on. considered the arguments
the gearbox assembly, front The State Commission has advanced by both the sides
3. Aggrieved with the order tyres and back tyres etc. were relied upon the es mate and have examined the
of the District Forum, the not allowed by the surveyor. submi ed by the record. In the present case,
Complainant as well as the The State Commission has Complainant. The same the District Forum relied on
Insurance Company preferred wrongly allowed these items es mate has been considered the report of the surveyor and
appeals before the State against the report of the by the surveyor also and the awarded only the amount of
Commission and the State surveyor and therefore, the surveyor has not allowed loss assessed by the surveyor.
Commission disposed off both State Commission has these items based on the However the State
the appeals by passing the commi ed error in enhancing policy condi ons and exis ng Commission has allowed
following order:- the compensa on by Rs. surveying prac ces. Thus, the certain other components
3,50,000. In this regard, the State Commission has which were not allowed by
“Resultantly the order dated learned counsel referred to discarded the report of the the surveyor. In fact, the State
13.03.2014 passed by the the judgement of Hon’ble surveyor without any basis Commission has observed the
District Forum is hereby Supreme Court in Sikka Papers which is not jus fied. following:-
modified by allowing the Limited Vs. Na onal Insurance
appeal of Complainant herein Company Limited & Ors., 7. O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , “The surveyor assessed the
direct the insurance company (2009) 7 SCC 777, wherein the learned counsel for the damages in his survey report
to pay Rs. 3,50,000 in addi on following has been held:- Respondent/ Complainant regarding above damages, but
of the award of Rs. 1,03,650 stated that the State no amount is awarded to
made by the District Forum “Insurance- Terms and Commission has rightly these damages. The surveyor
with interest @9% per annum condi ons specified in enhanced the compensa on discussed about the Front
from the date of complaint ll insurance policy- Binding because the surveyor had not Kamani Aux Assy 4 pes,
the payment. The appeal of effect- Insurance policy not considered the damage due Kamani Clip Set, Ba ery Set 2
insurance Company is partly covering parts of machinery to the in respect of the pes, Wheel Rim 4 pes, Gear
allowed & the compensa on which were required to be gearbox assembly, front and Box Assy, Propellor Sha ,
of Rs. 50,000 as awarded for replaced due to normal wear back tyres etc. In fact, the Front Tyres, Back Tyres, Cabin,
mental agony by the District and tear-Held, Insurance tyres were totally damaged Cabin Body hardware, etc. in
Forum is reduced to Rs. Company while assessing due to rough and over use by his report but not awarded
10,000. The compensa on of claim, rightly excluded those the thieves during the period any amount in this regard. In
li ga on expenses of Rs. parts. ” of 5 months for which the these circumstances, the
5,000 passed by District vehicle remained with them. assessment made by the
Forum is upheld.” 6. It was further argued by The State Commission has surveyor is not correct,
the learned counsel for the only awarded a lump- sum therefore the amount
4. H e n c e t h e p r e s e n t Pe oner that no actual bills amount in respect of those awarded by the District Forum
Revision Pe on. of repairs have been filed by parts which were considered on the basis of survey report is
the Complainant and not jus fiable. The surveyor
5. H e a r d t h e l e a r n e d

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 41

Consumer Case Study

assessed the damages surveyor. It is seen from the es mate. All other items not given in his report sound
sustained to the Front Tyre surveyor’s report that the like ba ery sets, front and reasons for totally disallowing
and Back Tyre but no amount following items have not been back tyres are covered some of the essen al items
is allowed in this regard. We allowed by the surveyor:- under the normal wear and like gearbox assembly and
allow the appeal of tear and as per the decision propeller sha or for that
Complainant and find it 1.) Kamani Clip Set; 2.) Ba ery of the Hon’ble Supreme ma er, other items so
jus fied to award further Set 2pes; 3.) Pressure Jack Court in Sikka Papers disallowed. Hence, the report
amount of Rs. 3,50,000 in Assy; 4.) Jack Rod Assy; 5.) Tool Limited Vs. Na onal of the surveyor cannot be
addi on to Rs. 1,03,650 as kit; 6.) Diesel Pipe Line; 7.) Insurance Company Limited accepted as it is, and requires
awarded by District Forum.” Gear Box Assy; 8.) Propellor & Ors. (supra) the Insurance jus fiable modifica on as
Sha ; 9.) Front Tyre MRF 2ng; Company is right in not above.
9. It is seen from the above, 10.) Back Tyre 9ng; 11.) Rassa paying claim in respect of
that though the State All Vehicle 20kg; and 12.) the items which are covered 11. B a s e d o n t h e a b o ve
Commission has men oned Tirpal. under normal wear and tear. discussion, the revision
certain items which were not Similarly, the items like rassa pe on No.598 of 2015 is
allowed by the surveyor but 10. An analysis of the above and tripal as well as tool kit partly allowed and the order
the State Commission has not items will reveal that only etc. are not part of the of the State Commission
analysed as to which items two items can be considered vehicle as such and therefore, dated 16.12.2014 passed in FA
can be allowed or should have as necessary which may cannot be allowed. No.430 of 2014 is modified to
been allowed by the surveyor have been allowed by the the extent that the figure of
and the State Commission has surveyor and these items Though, it is true that report Rs. 3,50,000 will stand
granted a lump sum amount are gearbox assembly and of the surveyor cannot be subs tuted with figure of Rs.
of Rs. 3.50 lakh as addi onal the propeller sha cos ng discarded without any cogent 1,78,800. Rest of the order of
compensa on over and above Rs. 1,65,000 and Rs. 13,800 reasons, it is seen that in the the State commission
the loss assessed by the respec vely as per the present case, the surveyor has remains unchanged.

Attention: Members

Engagement of GST Consultant

GST consultants – Ms Puloma Dalal and Dr Sanjeev Agarwal, based in Mumbai and Jaipur respec vely, have been engaged by F A D A on
retainership to help members deal with the complexi es of GST law and procedures. They will, on reference made by F A D A, guide and give
legal opinion on various issues rela ng to GST as applicable to automobile dealers.
F A D A will forward the queries raised by members to them for their opinion.
While Ms Puloma Dalal will, essen ally, give legal posi on and clarifica on, supported by cash law, on various GST issues raised F A D A
Members, those wan ng to engage her as counsel to fight their cases in li ga on, will have to pay separately as per terms that may be
mutually agreed to.
Member seeking clarifica on or legal posi on rela on to GST as relevant to automobile dealer, may send their queries to Federa on of
Automobile Dealers Associa ons (F A D A), 804-805, Surya Kiran, 19, K G Marg, New Delhi – 110 001. (E-mail Id: [email protected]).

42 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in



Membership

WE WELCOME OUR NEW

MEMBERS

No. Dealer Principal Name Dealership Name City State Franchise

1 Mr M V Srinivas Radha Madhav Automobiles Pvt Ltd Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh Toyota

2 Mr M V Rajgopal Reddy MCV Motocorp Pvt Ltd Rajahmundry Andhra Pradesh Bajaj

3 Mr Kanchan K Singh Devendra Equipment Patna Bihar Hyundai Construc on

4 Mr Vikram Joshi Joshi Automo ves Pvt Ltd Chandigarh Chandigarh Honda Car

5 Mr Karan Gilhotra Pla num Auto Sales Chandigarh Chandigarh HMSI

6 Mr Varinder S Saluja Saluja Motors Pvt Ltd Chandigarh Chandigarh Ford

7 Ms Garima Misra Automark Motors Pvt Ltd New Delhi Delhi Volkswagen

8 Mr Parind Nachinolcar Priority Autoriders Pvt Ltd Panajim Goa HMSI

9 Mr Rajesh Khaunte Shiv Samarth Motoriders Pvt Ltd Panajim Goa HMSI

10 Mr Dhanwant Patel Trishul Autolink Rajkot Gujarat Mahindra Truck

11 Mr Kanav Gupta Kanav Motors Pvt Ltd Karnal Haryana Ford

12 Mr Hemant K Jain Autobikes Ranchi Jharkhand Hero

13 Mr Nikhil S Jain Vinayak Motors Bengaluru Karnataka Yamaha

14 Mr Mallik Reddy Tansi Motors Pvt Ltd Bengaluru Karnataka HMSI

15 Mr Dharma T Gorrepa Nine Star Motorcycles Bangalore P Ltd Bengaluru Karnataka Suzuki

16 Ms Meena Kirloskar Ravindu Motors Pvt Ltd Bengaluru Karnataka Toyota

17 Mr Vishesh J Kawality Mobikes Pvt Ltd Bengaluru Karnataka Harley

18 Mr Jalakumar J Vahini Motors Kollam Kerala HMSI

19 Mr Rajan Pothan Pioneer Motors (Kannur) Pvt Ltd Kannur Kerala HMSI

20 Mr Shobhit Miglani Sunil Automo ves Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh Tata

44 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Membership

No. Dealer Principal Name Dealership Name City State Franchise

21 Mr Robin Khatwani Khatwani Motors Pvt Ltd Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh Renault

22 Mr Pravin Patel Patel Motors (Indore) Pvt Ltd Indore Madhya Pradesh Maru

23 Mr Amit Kasliwal Kasliwal Automobiles Pvt Ltd Indore Madhya Pradesh Honda Car

24 Mr Santosh R Thombre K T Tractor Barshi Maharashtra Kubota Tractor

25 Ms Padma Chowgule Chowgule Industries Pvt Ltd Pune Maharashtra Maru

26 Mr Amey Sananda Shriniwas Automo ve Khamgaon Maharashtra HMSI

27 Mr Pawandeep S Oberoi Prabh Autowheels Akola Maharashtra HMSI

28 Mr Dinesh Agarwal Aman Honda Pune Maharashtra HMSI

29 Mr Ajay Pal Sandhu Sandhu Automobiles Pvt Ltd Ludhiana Punjab Maru

30 Mr Nawal Kapur Speedways Hero Amritsar Punjab Hero

31 Mr Jyo Kaplia Jyo Motors Ludhiana Punjab Hero

32 Mr Kaushal Agarwal Supreme Motors Jaipur Rajasthan Hero

33 Mr Sumit Agarwal Evershine Auto Wheels Kota Rajasthan HMSI

34 Mr Mohit Relan Relan Motors Pvt Ltd Ajmer Rajasthan Maru

35 Mr Sirish Kumar Jain Rishabh Dev Automobiles Ghatol Rajasthan Hero

36 Mr Akhilesh Goyal Agarwal Motor Company Ajmer Rajasthan Hero

37 Mr Rajinder Singh Buse Zone Chennai Tamil Nadu Tata

38 Mr T R Ramprasadh TRR Automo ve Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu JCB

39 Mr Pasham Rajesh Yadav Venkata Sai Motors Pvt Ltd Sangareddy Telangana HSMI

40 Mr J V Narahar Rao Indubaala Motors Hyderabad Telangana TVS

41 Mr K Vikas Reddy Sri Sai Durga Motors Nizamabad Telangana Hero

42 Mr Krishna Reddy D Taurus Motors Hyderabad Telangana Royal Enfield

43 Mr Venkatesham Gampa Venkat Automobiles Karimnagar Telangana Mahindra Tractor

44 Mr Vipin Jain Navkar Motors Pvt Ltd Hyderabad Telangana Suzuki

45 Mr Rajat K Pruthi Pruthi Autotech Pvt Ltd Kharagpur West Bengal Renault

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 45

Chart of the Month

46 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in



Upgrades

Yamaha Revs Up Excitement With New Offerings

New Fascino DARKNIGHT mounts a liquid-cooled, 4- minimal-look headlight 'FZ series' and the new 'MT
edi on stroke, SOHC, 4-Valve, 6- enhancing dynamic front face series'. With the new trends
speed transmission, 155cc styling, short tail with a of motorcycling in India
India Yamaha Motor (IYM) fuel-injected engine along ver cal taillight and overall wherein the riders want
unleashed 123cc scooter, new with Variable Valve Actua on 'graphics and finish' that diverse experiences with
Fascino DARKNIGHT with (VVA) system on a Delta box illustrates the unpredictable speed and controls, the entry
Unified Braking System (UBS) frame. MT-15 triggers agile & MT style. of MT-15 is inevitable. The
along with addi onal feature strong-feeling accelera on launch of the new MT-15 will
like maintenance free ba ery. and flaunts standout traits of Motofumi Shitara commented further mul ply the brand’s
The price of the new Fascino styling with enhanced control during the launch of the new excitement as it would en ce
Darknight edi on is Rs. 56,793 postures along with A&S MT-15, “Today's customers customers in exci ng, stylish
(Ex-Showroom, Delhi). clutch & single-channel ABS. look for variety and diverse and sporty motorcycling with
range of products. We at its unique torque and agility
Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, The new MT-15 is powered Yamaha will always try to along with design excellence
Yamaha Motor India group of with an engine that is producing introduce new biking and engineering."
companies, said on the a maximum output of 14.2 kW experiences to our customers
occasion, "Yamaha is (19.3 PS) at 10,000 rpm and & excite them with products & The evolu on of the MT DNA
commi ed to establish its maximum torque of 14.7 Nm services that exceed customer in interna onal market has
uniqueness through exci ng, (1.5 kgfm) at 8,500 rpm. expecta ons. Yamaha will contributed to the proud and
stylish and sporty products offer 3 motorcycle series in defiant look of the new MT-15
and experiences. Yamaha The advanced design India under "The Call of the along with the technological
Fascino has already gone up expressing 'Torque and Agility' Blue" campaign, the 'R series', pursuit of the machine’s
and about its unique style and is further accentuated by essence that is backed by
excitement in the market. The minimum ground clearance of
new DARKNIGHT edi on will 155 mm, weight (with oil and
further create an urbane style a full fuel tank) of 138 kg, VVA
which is in line with Yamaha's system providing sharp top-
efforts to add DARKNIGHT end power, a bypass type
edi ons in many other two- thermostat for the cooling
wheelers." system to reduce engine
warm up me and a muffler
In 2019, the company in line with 3-stage expansion
with its commitment of chamber for a clear sound at
offering exci ng, stylish and high rpm. While fine-tuning
sporty mobility products in the rigidity of the pivot point
India, introduced the ABS of the chassis that directly
enabled YZF-R15 Version 3.0 receives the drive force
(155cc), the new FZ FI (149cc), generated by the rear wheel
FZS FI (149cc), FZ 25 (249cc), has been made, an ideal
Fazer 25 (249cc) and scooters balance of ver cal, horizontal
with UBS and maintenance and torsional rigidity is also
free ba ery in exci ng achieved while a box-sec on
colours. steel swing arm is provided for
an op mal balance of
New MT-15 strength. All of such features
present the uniqueness of
India Yamaha Motor (IYM) quick-feeling handling,
unveiled the new MT-15 eventually facilita ng the new
(155cc) in India during a MT-15 respond exactly as the
launch program at Buddh rider intends.
Interna onal Circuit, Greater
Noida. The new MT-15

48 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in

Upgrades

Audi A6 Lifestyle Edition Launched

Audi, the German luxury move around impressively • Audi A6 Lifestyle Edition is equipped with host
car manufacturer, and with style. With the of added features and accessories like Rear
launched the Audi A6 Lifestyle introduc on of the Audi A6 Seat Entertainment, Espresso Mobil and Entry
Edi on in India on March 5. Lifestyle Edi on, we have Exit Lights with Audi logo projection.
The Audi A6 Lifestyle Edi on is further increased the luxury
equipped with new features quo ent of the already • Audi A6 Lifestyle Edition is priced at Rs.
to provide an exclusive luxury favourite Audi A6 amongst the 49,99,000.
experience to the customers luxury car buyers.”
at an a rac ve price range. sporty and elegant symbiosis. various assistance and safety
Features like the Rear Seat "I am excited to announce With a Seven Speed S tronic features like the Audi Pre
Entertainment, Espresso that we have an interes ng transmission, Adap ve Air Sense Basic, Audi Parking
Mobil and Entry Exit Lights year coming up in 2019, the Suspension and Audi Drive System Plus and Eight
with Audi logo projec on in Year of the ‘8’s with our Select, the Audi A6 is a delight Airbags provide a secure
the Audi A6 Lifestyle Edi on flagship models to come. The on the road. driving environment.
makes it more luxurious than focus of this year will clearly
before. The Rear Seat be on con nuing to offer our The Audi A6 boasts of The A6 Lifestyle Edi on now
Entertainment offers a fully customers and Audi mul ple infotainment also boasts of features like the
integrated infotainment enthusiasts a new and features, including the MMI Rear Seat Entertainment,
system on the road while exhilara ng line up of Naviga on with MMI Touch, Espresso Mobil and Entry Exit
enjoying a coffee break with products to choose from and Advanced Voice Dialogue Lights with Audi logo
the innova ve in-car Espresso to own their favorite Audi,” system and Bose Surround projec on. With the Rear Seat
Mobil. Special Entry Exit Lights added Ansari. Sound. The Audi Smartphone Entertainment, rear seat
that project the four rings Interface puts the passengers can enjoy
onto the ground is more than The Audi A6 Sedan combines customized environments infotainment through
just an eye-catching feature; innova ve technologies, Apple Car Play and Android networked tablets with 25.65
they also make it easier to progressive design, and Auto on board and on the cms touch screen that also
enter the car when it is dark. exci ng versa le equipment MMI pop-up screen. The work outside the car.
The Audi A6 Lifestyle Edi on is op ons into an excep onally
priced at Rs. 49,99,000.

Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India,
said, "Luxury is about having a
range of choices and at Audi,
we always strive to offer the
best configura ons in our
Audi range to our discerning
customers. The Audi A6
Lifestyle Edi on has been
configured specially for Audi
customers who are looking
forward to enjoy the thrill of
driving in the lap of luxury.
Features like the Rear Seat
Entertainment and Espresso
Mobil in the Audi A6 Lifestyle
Edi on are meant for the new
age customers who like to

fada.in | March 2019 F A D A Journal 49

Upgrades

Mercedes-Benz Enhances its AMG Portfolio;
Introduces New AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupé

India’s largest luxury performance cars under the service offensive, in line with offers Smartphone
carmaker Mercedes-Benz 43, 45, 63 and the GT range. our mo o of ‘Best Never Rest.’ Integra on, which supports
further bolstered its posi on The response to the AMG 43 2019 is going to be an exci ng Android Auto and Apple
in the performance car range has been amazing year for us, where we aim to CarPlay. The new Mercedes-
segment with the launch of since its debut with the AMG create new firsts, in customer AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupé
the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 GLE 43. Encouraging sa sfac on and overall comes with stylish
4MATIC Coupé. The customer demand in this ownership experience.” Mul beam LED headlamps
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC segment substan ates our with adap ve high beam
Coupé was launched by efforts to offer newer The interiors of the assist plus, red color seat
Mar n Schwenk, MD & CEO, products in the market. The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC belts, 18-inch AMG 5-spoke
Mercedes-Benz India in New latest offering in this range, Coupé has been significantly light-alloy wheels and
Delhi. the Mercedes-AMG C 43 enhanced with all new Panoramic sunroof.
4MATIC Coupé, features a genera on of AMG steering
The two-door Coupé is suave 2 door coupe design, wheels with op mum Safety & Assistance systems –
powered by a 3.0-litre V6 athle c character and ergonomics for sporty Ac ve bonnet for pedestrian
biturbo engine, producing thrilling performance that driving manoeuvres along protec on, PRE-SAFE system,
287kW of power and 520 Nm promises an adrenaline rush with new genera on Adap ve brake lights, red seat
of torque, which accelerates every me one gets behind telema cs NTG 5.5 with belts, driver knee bag, Ac ve
the vehicle from stands ll to the wheel. We are glad to 10.25-inch high resolu on Parking Assist.
100 km/h in a mere 4.7 introduce this model, media display screen and
seconds. especially for the young Audio 20 system with The Star Ease Compact
driving enthusiasts in India.” naviga on. The 64 color package for the AMG C 43
Speaking on the occasion, ambient ligh ng along with coupe for 2 years/unlimited
Mar n Schwenk, said, “We Mar n Schwenk further advance sound system kms starts at Rs. 68,000.
have been very successful added, “In 2019, Mercedes- stunningly accentuates the
with our AMG product Benz completes 25 years in interiors of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC
strategy in India, which India and this milestone will Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is priced star ng from Rs. 75
comprises a wide array of be marked with a product and Coupé. The vehicle also Lakh, Ex-Showroom, all India.

50 F A D A Journal March 2019 | fada.in