Benchmarking

BENCHMARKING:

• Benchmarking refers to the process of comparing and evaluating various aspects of a company's performance, products, processes, or strategies against industry competitors or best-in-class companies. It involves gathering data and analyzing key metrics to identify areas of improvement, set performance targets, and implement strategies to enhance competitiveness.
• The primary objective of benchmarking is to gain insights and knowledge from industry leaders or competitors in order to improve performance, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By studying and comparing performance measures, companies can identify gaps, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This enables them to develop action plans, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement.
• Benchmarking can be conducted through various methods, including surveys, data analysis, site visits, interviews, and market research. It helps companies set performance targets, establish industry standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to stay ahead of the competition and meet customer expectations.

CASE:

Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii is a married man who lives in Bangalore which is a highly crowded city. His Family comprises five members including his wife, a five-year-old boy, his father, and his mother. He visits his native place Madurai which is 500kms away from Bangalore once a month. Also, he will be using his car to commute to his office. His budget falls between 8 to 10 lakhs on road. Please suggest to him options so that he will buy a good car for his family.

Note: Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars

STUDY REPORT:

To benchmark and suggest a suitable car for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii and his family, considering their requirements, budget, and preference for big cars, let's compare five vehicles available in the market within the 8 to 10 lakhs on-road price range. Here is a detailed comparison of each vehicle:

Based on the given requirements, here are five cars within the budget range of 8.5 to 9.99 lakhs on-road that would be suitable for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii and his family:

1. Mahindra Bolero:

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.5L Diesel
• Power Output: 75 bhp
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Boot Space: 690 liters (expandable)
• Ground Clearance: 180 mm
• Price Range: Rs. 8.67 - 9.60 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros:

• Spacious and rugged design
• Good ground clearance for city and rural driving
• Reliable engine performance
• Comfortable seating for five members
• Decent boot space

Cons:

• Basic interior design
• Limited safety features
• Average fuel efficiency

2. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga:

Specifications:

• Engine Options: 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel, and CNG
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and 5-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift)
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Boot Space: 209 liters (expandable)
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 26.08 km/l (Diesel)
• Safety Features: Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera, etc.
• Ground Clearance: 180 mm
• Price Range: Rs. 8.81 - 10.81 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros:

• Spacious and versatile MPV design
• Fuel-efficient engine options
• Comfortable seating for seven members
• Good after-sales service network of Maruti Suzuki
• Decent safety features

Cons:

• Average build quality
• Limited boot space with all seats up
• Lesser power output compared to larger MPVs

3. Tata Nexon:

Specifications:

• Engine Options: 1.2L Petrol and 1.5L Diesel
• Transmission Options: 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 350 liters
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 24.8 km/l (Petrol) and 22.4 km/l (Diesel)
• Safety Features: Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera, etc.
• Ground Clearance: 209 mm
• Price Range: Rs. 8.66 - 13.04 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros:

• Stylish and modern design
• Spacious cabin with comfortable seating
• Strong safety features with 5-star Global NCAP rating
• Powerful engine options
• Value for money proposition

Cons:

• Rear-seat space could be better
• Average infotainment system

4. Ford EcoSport:

Specifications:

• Engine Options: 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel, and 1.0L EcoBoost Petrol
• Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and 6-speed automatic
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 352 liters
• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 21.7 km/l (Diesel)
• Safety Features: Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera, etc.
• Dimensions: Length - 3998 mm, Width - 1765 mm, Height - 1647 mm
• Ground Clearance: 200 mm
• Price Range: Rs. 8.19 - 11.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Pros:

• Rugged and compact SUV design
• Engaging driving dynamics
• Feature-rich interior with SYNC 3 infotainment system
• Good safety features with a 4-star Global NCAP rating
• Availability of petrol, diesel, and EcoBoost engine options

Cons:

• Limited rear-seat space
• Average fuel efficiency
• Rear design could be polarizing for some

Conclusion:
Based on the comparison, considering Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii's preference for big cars, budget range, and the specific requirements, the best choice would be the Tata Nexon. It offers a stylish design, spacious cabin, strong safety features, and powerful engine options within the specified budget. The Nexon's 5-star Global NCAP rating ensures the safety of the family, and its value for money proposition makes it an ideal choice for urban commuting and occasional long trips.