Culture moulded by the customer

It is of  significance that  as the grand Auto -Expo 2014 is on , the Maruti 800  stands retired, . The launch of the " 800 " was a Road-show  and a prelude to  India's wave of liberalsation  . Its smooth transmission, economical engine and a light body enabled by material science advances  and the cost benefits being shared with the customer through  economy  of scale,  made it an enviable product.Its acceptance was so complete that  there was little need to bring in variants to the basic model, for a decade and more.Indians are particular on maintenance , the low cost of repairs of M-800 thus became  its bonus USP.Much like the Ambassador with decades of presence,its spare parts though were available on tap in less than  three years from launch. Even the non-original spares obtained  in the open market at  lower prices were of acceptable quality ,mainly because of the demanding inspection standards set by Maruti across its vast vendor / sub-vendor base. Maruti's  penchant for training in  standard- module servicing  by franchisee garages, contributed to quick and  quality repairs which  added to the brand value. With its deep insight to after sales  service of every description,M-800  managed to retain customer loyalty  decades after introduction. Today ,higher incomes and greater competition bring in variety that  influences the taste and preference of a customer ,but his basic requirements that had helped predicate this '  Maruti culture '  remain  unchanged.

Pub Financial Express Feb 10
http://epaper.financialexpress.com/226739/Indian-Express/10-February-2014#page/6/3