Website of car companies in India. Good, bad and the ugly

sriramv.iyer · 21st September 2007, 20:11

I have found most of the websites of car companies in India way below my expectations.

For e.g., a year ago, Fiat india website opened a new window for every click. Ford Mondeo least information in the Ford website. By now, things seem to be improving.

Chevrolet's site is good (www.chevrolet.co.in). Ford is not bad either, but the content level is appalling.

But my blood boils whenever I go to Skoda Auto India website (home) and Mercedes Benz (Mercedes-Benz India - Home) - Even the international site of Benz is junk. These take the worst ranks in my list of auto websites in India.

I would like to know if I am the only one who feels so - What do other TBHP brothers (and sisters(?)) feel about the auto websites in India...

BUSA · 21st September 2007, 22:10

There is already a thread about the indian websites

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...nt-future.html

GTO · 22nd September 2007, 10:58

Good topic, sriram!

Aim of a car company website : Good design, simple to navigate, provide information on cars and motivate a potential buyer to write the cheque! One of the most important tools in this internet-friendly world. Surprisingly most Indian car websites are disasters.

The best websites:

1. www.marutiudyog.com
2. India Browserinfo
3. Honda Accord India, Honda Crv India, Honda Civic Car India, Honda City Car India: Honda Siel Cars India

Some average websites:

1. :: Welcome to Mahindra Scorpio ::
2. Hyundai Motor India

Horrible websites:

1. home (mature design but poor on info)
2. Mercedes-Benz India - Home (very 80's design)
3. BMW International (doesnt seem "Indianised")

Looks like the germans dont focus too much online?

@ BUSA : The other link is a directory listing. This thread is about opinions on the website.

iraghava · 22nd September 2007, 11:52

If you guys thought BMW India was bad, check out Audi India 's site:

Audi India > Home

Even the most basic Technical Specs like Weight, Tyre sizes, list of Standard Equipment etc. is non-existent. Frankly it looks like a third-grade effort from a designer coming up with his first website.

Ram_NP · 22nd September 2007, 12:40

I Like Maruti's Web site and then Hyundai site is also good.

One thing I have noticed that except for Maruti, other website do not give details about the accessoires that are availible or can be fitted with a new car.

cheap_deal · 22nd September 2007, 14:20

the honda website is good, but someone need to work on their spellings
Features

i can spot 3 typos on that page alone. there were a few more last time i checked.

GTO · 22nd September 2007, 14:26

Fiats website is much better now, than what it was before. But it still doesnt look as "professional". And who can forget the fiasco of unpaid bills (Fiat - Indias commitment. Indian website bills unpaid!!)?

Raja · 22nd September 2007, 17:11

I find also that a lot of the websites will only work properly with Internet Explorer. I always use Firefox and some of the site buttons don't work.

Nissan India was very poor, now it is only poor. They have added on the 'Teana' button as an afterthought!

sriramv.iyer · 22nd September 2007, 19:23

Thanks GTO! I too was thinking it would be a good idea to discuss and get feedback since getting info online seems to be the best way for me. No need to stand in queues and open 24 x 7! Surprising some companies do not see this and do not put their heart in such an important piece of a business communication and customer interaction.

First, The title of the webpage is quite important - I was surprised (these are my initial days with TBHP) that the URL gets resolved to the web page title. Lets look at Chevrolet's website mentioned in GTO's post - It says India Browser Info (How useful and interesting!!

)

I loved the website of Infiniti, US (Infiniti Luxury Cars and SUVs - Infiniti USA Official Site) - Well thought out and organized and lots of flash and animation - speaks a lot about the broadband speeds in US - (I recently shifted to my apartment in Bangalore and it is 5 months since I applied to Broadband service from BSNL - I havent got a connection yet, lest, talk about speeds (grrr) ) - In general, the US web-sites are pretty good (even the German ones - BMW and Audi) - The Merc guys will never learn - If they put up such a PATHETIC website in US, I doubt they'll ever put anything better in India.

If we constitute the best and worst awards for auto websites, who should get the awards? Got me thinking....

What do you guys think?

(I am flying back to India from Korea tomorrow - This should give me some time to think

- Btw, I have some pics of earlier generation Chevy SRV, Optra, Nissan Teana sold as Samsung SM5 and Hyundai i30 - Will post them as soon as I reach home!)

Thad E Ginathom · 22nd September 2007, 19:29

<rant alert>

Chevrolet Magnum is one of the very worst sites I've ever seen.

How long will it take designers to realise that they are the only people with the patience to wait while a Flash intro loads?

A site that plays music is my absolute worst, worst, biggest, biggest, dislike. Hello designers! If you want to work in TV, go work in TV!

I go to a car site to see pictures and specifications --- not to enlarge the ego of the people who designed it.

One 'gismo' that can be good is a 360-degree view interior and exterior.

Otherwise... leave out the Flash, and keep it simple. Please!

Phew! Thanks for the opportunity to get that rant off my chest!

lamborghini · 23rd September 2007, 00:01

I think on a whole, indian auto websites are quite poor.
They lack information about accessories and their prices, some technical data and some useful features that could be useful (like build and price your car) etc.
One website that i really liked was the mitsubishi USA website ( Mitsubishi Motors ) however its quite slow and takes time to load (and you should also check out the build and price your mitsubishi section, something that is offered on all US automobile websites). The website is a contrast to their indian website.

Whenasked · 23rd September 2007, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Fiats website is much better now, than what it was before. But it still doesnt look as "professional". And who can forget the fiasco of unpaid bills (Fiat - Indias commitment. Indian website bills unpaid!!)?

Everyone knows that those are things of past. Why bragging about it in every post.

GTO · 24th September 2007, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whenasked

Everyone knows that those are things of past. Why bragging about it in every post.

I wouldnt brag since I wasnt responsible. And which "every post" are you talking about? The Fiat website episode goes down in the history books of Indian websites.

extreme_torque · 24th September 2007, 13:29

BMW's site is just fine. One should also keep in mind the target customer which will opt for a beemer and it would be unlike the customer for say a Maruti and hence the difference in websites.

Lexus's website USA: this one's fantastic

Lexus: New Luxury Cars and SUVs from Lexus USA

Phaeton: Fantastic again

Volkswagen UK / The Phaeton / Discover more

lambuhere1 · 24th September 2007, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ram_NP

One thing I have noticed that except for Maruti, other website do not give details about the accessoires that are availible or can be fitted with a new car.

I believe trident and advait hyundai's site gives you the list of accessories along with their costing.

Used it to get a grip during discussions with sales guy

View Poll Results: BEST WEBSITE OF CARS SOLD IN INDIA
AUDI	5	9.09%
BMW	10	18.18%
CHEVROLET	4	7.27%
FIAT	13	23.64%
FORD	3	5.45%
HINDUSTAN MOTORS	1	1.82%
HONDA	5	9.09%
HYUNDAI	8	14.55%
MAHINDRA	1	1.82%
MARUTI	17	30.91%
MERCEDES	7	12.73%
MITSUBISHI	1	1.82%
NISSAN	4	7.27%
SKODA	1	1.82%
TATA MOTORS	7	12.73%
TOYOTA	7	12.73%
VOLKSWAGEN	5	9.09%
VOLVO	5	9.09%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 55. You may not vote on this poll

21st September 2007, 20:11	#1
sriramv.iyer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 845 Thanked: 739 Times	Website of car companies in India. Good, bad and the ugly I have found most of the websites of car companies in India way below my expectations. For e.g., a year ago, Fiat india website opened a new window for every click. Ford Mondeo least information in the Ford website. By now, things seem to be improving. Chevrolet's site is good (www.chevrolet.co.in). Ford is not bad either, but the content level is appalling. But my blood boils whenever I go to Skoda Auto India website (home) and Mercedes Benz (Mercedes-Benz India - Home) - Even the international site of Benz is junk. These take the worst ranks in my list of auto websites in India. I would like to know if I am the only one who feels so - What do other TBHP brothers (and sisters(?)) feel about the auto websites in India...
	() Thanks

21st September 2007, 22:10	#2
BUSA Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,130 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	There is already a thread about the indian websites http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...nt-future.html Last edited by BUSA : 21st September 2007 at 22:13.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 10:58	#3
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,493 Thanked: 300,290 Times View My Garage	Good topic, sriram! Aim of a car company website : Good design, simple to navigate, provide information on cars and motivate a potential buyer to write the cheque! One of the most important tools in this internet-friendly world. Surprisingly most Indian car websites are disasters. The best websites: 1. www.marutiudyog.com 2. India Browserinfo 3. Honda Accord India, Honda Crv India, Honda Civic Car India, Honda City Car India: Honda Siel Cars India Some average websites: 1. :: Welcome to Mahindra Scorpio :: 2. Hyundai Motor India Horrible websites: 1. home (mature design but poor on info) 2. Mercedes-Benz India - Home (very 80's design) 3. BMW International (doesnt seem "Indianised") Looks like the germans dont focus too much online? @ BUSA : The other link is a directory listing. This thread is about opinions on the website.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 11:52	#4
iraghava Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bhaiyyaland Posts: 8,033 Thanked: 265 Times View My Garage	If you guys thought BMW India was bad, check out Audi India 's site: Audi India > Home Even the most basic Technical Specs like Weight, Tyre sizes, list of Standard Equipment etc. is non-existent. Frankly it looks like a third-grade effort from a designer coming up with his first website.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 12:40	#5
Ram_NP BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kolkata Posts: 354 Thanked: 23 Times	I Like Maruti's Web site and then Hyundai site is also good. One thing I have noticed that except for Maruti, other website do not give details about the accessoires that are availible or can be fitted with a new car.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 14:20	#6
cheap_deal BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: unknown Posts: 465 Thanked: 8 Times	the honda website is good, but someone need to work on their spellings Features i can spot 3 typos on that page alone. there were a few more last time i checked.
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 14:26	#7
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,493 Thanked: 300,290 Times View My Garage	Fiats website is much better now, than what it was before. But it still doesnt look as "professional". And who can forget the fiasco of unpaid bills (Fiat - Indias commitment. Indian website bills unpaid!!)?
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 17:11	#8
Raja BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 419 Thanked: 69 Times	I find also that a lot of the websites will only work properly with Internet Explorer. I always use Firefox and some of the site buttons don't work. Nissan India was very poor, now it is only poor. They have added on the 'Teana' button as an afterthought!
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 19:23	#9
sriramv.iyer BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 845 Thanked: 739 Times	Thanks GTO! I too was thinking it would be a good idea to discuss and get feedback since getting info online seems to be the best way for me. No need to stand in queues and open 24 x 7! Surprising some companies do not see this and do not put their heart in such an important piece of a business communication and customer interaction. First, The title of the webpage is quite important - I was surprised (these are my initial days with TBHP) that the URL gets resolved to the web page title. Lets look at Chevrolet's website mentioned in GTO's post - It says India Browser Info (How useful and interesting!! ) I loved the website of Infiniti, US (Infiniti Luxury Cars and SUVs - Infiniti USA Official Site) - Well thought out and organized and lots of flash and animation - speaks a lot about the broadband speeds in US - (I recently shifted to my apartment in Bangalore and it is 5 months since I applied to Broadband service from BSNL - I havent got a connection yet, lest, talk about speeds (grrr) ) - In general, the US web-sites are pretty good (even the German ones - BMW and Audi) - The Merc guys will never learn - If they put up such a PATHETIC website in US, I doubt they'll ever put anything better in India. If we constitute the best and worst awards for auto websites, who should get the awards? Got me thinking.... What do you guys think? (I am flying back to India from Korea tomorrow - This should give me some time to think - Btw, I have some pics of earlier generation Chevy SRV, Optra, Nissan Teana sold as Samsung SM5 and Hyundai i30 - Will post them as soon as I reach home!)
	() Thanks

22nd September 2007, 19:29	#10
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 10,988 Thanked: 26,372 Times	<rant alert> Chevrolet Magnum is one of the very worst sites I've ever seen. How long will it take designers to realise that they are the only people with the patience to wait while a Flash intro loads? A site that plays music is my absolute worst, worst, biggest, biggest, dislike. Hello designers! If you want to work in TV, go work in TV! I go to a car site to see pictures and specifications --- not to enlarge the ego of the people who designed it. One 'gismo' that can be good is a 360-degree view interior and exterior. Otherwise... leave out the Flash, and keep it simple. Please! Phew! Thanks for the opportunity to get that rant off my chest!
	() Thanks

23rd September 2007, 00:01	#11
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,112 Thanked: 5,760 Times View My Garage	I think on a whole, indian auto websites are quite poor. They lack information about accessories and their prices, some technical data and some useful features that could be useful (like build and price your car) etc. One website that i really liked was the mitsubishi USA website ( Mitsubishi Motors ) however its quite slow and takes time to load (and you should also check out the build and price your mitsubishi section, something that is offered on all US automobile websites). The website is a contrast to their indian website.
	() Thanks

24th September 2007, 13:29	#14
extreme_torque Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Melbourne Posts: 4,376 Thanked: 5,105 Times	BMW's site is just fine. One should also keep in mind the target customer which will opt for a beemer and it would be unlike the customer for say a Maruti and hence the difference in websites. Lexus's website USA: this one's fantastic Lexus: New Luxury Cars and SUVs from Lexus USA Phaeton: Fantastic again Volkswagen UK / The Phaeton / Discover more Last edited by extreme_torque : 24th September 2007 at 13:40.
	() Thanks