[Krishna_Pondy]

Hello Friends, I am Krishna (Krishnasami Rajagopalan). I work in Chennai but my hometown is Pondicherry.

I am an automobile engineer by qualification and am now working as a market research analyst / consultant for the European Automotive Market at Frost & Sullivan, Chennai.

I am here to network with like minded people and make good friends. I look forward to learn from you people and also share my knowledge in automobiles.

Ok, now about the vehicles I drive....my dad has a M800 (8 yrs old) which I drive often, I own a TVS Centra Bike which I ride to work daily and also I drive my close friends Suzuki Zen (not the Estilo...last batch of the true Zen) often. Though the 800 is quite old, it has a low runnning and is still in good condition and I love that car especially when it comes to driving in traffic or narrow lanes.

I have booked a Sliky Silver Suzuki Swift VXi (w/o ABS) one month back and am expecting the deliver of the vehicle anytime soon.

Will soon update you all with my first experience of the Swift and the accessories I am planning to put in the car.

Till then take care and have a happy and safe driving
Krishna

[GTO]

Lucky you, I wish I had that kind of a job! Is your research restricted to cars only, or does it cover parts and ancillaries (IMHO the boring part). One question : What mid-term changes / trends do you foresee in the Indian car market? Say after 5 years?

Welcome to Team-BHP, Krishna. This would also be a good time to point you toward our Board Rules to get familiar with our forum policies.

[Krishna_Pondy]

Hello GTO,

Thanks and I look forward to becoming an active member in Team BHP forums. Finally took delivery of my silver swift VXi couple of days back and am enjoying its company now.

Though I am not really into Indian automotive market [I basically track the European car market as a part of my job...], I see that all car manufacturers globally, are looking to India for not only low cost manufacturing because of the cheap labour market here but also to technical solutions owing to the exceptional skilled labour developing every year in our country.

In the next 5 years, I see all vehicle manufacturers to be present in the Indian market and sell their familiar car models in India, with the same level of trim, finish and equipments as it is in the developed markets (having same engines depends on the infrastructure development though).

Also legislation wise, in the next 5 years India is expected to have some of the key legislations (EuroNCAP based crash safety, ABS) in terms of emissions and safety as it is in the developed world.

Overall I would say interesting and exciting time lies ahead for the Indian automotive market and am happy that I am in this field right now.

Will post my reviews, photos and feedback on my Swift VXi soon.

Krishna

[GTO]

I see that all car manufacturers globally, are looking to India for not only low cost manufacturing because of the cheap labour market here

India & China?

owing to the exceptional skilled labour developing every year in our country.

India over China?

Some manufacturers already offer the exact same trim levels as their international counterparts; That said, I'd agree that the rest will be forced to follow suit. Just look at how the SX4's standard equipment list has shaken up its competition!! Arrogant Honda included.

In terms of action segments, currently the C segment is very hot. With rising income levels (and disposable), the C+ / D entry segment will surely explode. Volumes for the 10 - 12 lac sedan will be atleast 5 - 7 fold of what they are today.

Most importantly, I predict that ABS will become an industry standard too....entry-level hatchbacks included!

[click.matty]

hey folks!

This is Matt, from God's Own Country.

I think this is a cool place to be at, when u wanna get away from work-stress. I hope to learn & share here.

Cheers, Have a nice day!
Matty.

[Krishna_Pondy]

Hello GTO,

Though India and China are competing closely in terms of low cost manufacturing, in terms of R&D capabilties I still feel India is better positioned than China.

I agree with you in terms of growth of mid segment vehicles.

I read sometime back in economic times auto news section that ABS is likely to become mandatory in India by 2009.

Similarly a EuroNCAP based safety rating system is likely to be in place by 2009 and cars sold will have a 5 star based rating similar to EuroNCAP. If this rating comes in place then airbags will become mandatory.

Thats why I mentioned earlier the Indian automotive market is in a interesting phase now and will be interesting for all of us to follow and experience it.


Matt - I would love to visit God's Own Country when I get time from work...seriously best place to relax and break out from stressful work life in cities.

Happy and Safe Driving
Krishna