Automakers Beware!!!

Case 1:
Last week a friend of mine booked a Thunderbird. The choice was made by his Fiancée. Sweet isn't it.

Lesson 1:
Its no more the target segment that matters. Need to attract the influencer too. In reality as found by Volvo during its Your Concept Car (Refer here for details), an influencer, especially women, make a huge impact, even in the purchase of vehicles designed for a niche target of men Eg: Thunderbird. So automakers, expand your target segment.

Case 2:
Another friend of mine decided to gift his father an SUV. The discussion narrowed down on Toyota Fortuner or Ford Endeavour. A previous poor experience from a Ford dealer on his Ikon resulted in going for the Toyota. No second thought.

Lesson 2:
Just opening up dealerships or setting up service centers doesn't work anymore. The people P has a critical place in the business. So train people at dealerships and service centers to handle people better than handling cars. One lost opportunity to serve is a customer lost forever.

So automakers beware!!!