Abstract

The report examines the changing dynamics of Indian road transportation industry at the turn of 20th century. It discusses how the competition from foreign players and the changing customer needs and aspirations, forced the domestic manufacturers to revamp their product, marketing and distribution strategies. The report discusses in detail the emerging trends across all major segments of the industry viz., bicycles, two-wheelers (mopeds, scooters, scooterettes and motorcycles), four-wheelers (cars and utility vehicles) and commercial vehicles (heavy trucks and buses), specifically in terms of products (new products with advanced technologies and customer-centric features), marketing strategies (price cuts, discounts, finance schemes, and promotions), and enhanced focus on rural customers (through dealer networks in rural areas, test drives, participation in village fairs etc.) The report finally explores the future of road transportation industry in India.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the nature and changing dynamics of the Indian road transportation industry
• Examine the evolution and growth of the major segments of the road transportation industry viz bicycles, two-wheelers, four-wheelers and commercial vehicles and discuss their current status in the industry
• Explore the need for technology led innovations, customer-centric product offerings, innovative marketing and distribution strategies in the road transportation industry
• Understand the rationale behind the focus of bicycles and automobile players on the rural customers in India

Keywords

Indian Road Transportation Industry, Hero Cycles, Two-Wheeler Market in India, TVS Motor Group, Bajaj Auto, Honda Motors, Four-Wheeler Market in India, Utility Vehicles, Maruti Udyog, Mahindra and Mahindra, Scorpio, Commercial Vehicles, Innovations in Road Transportation Industry