Introduction to Benchmarking

What is Benchmarking?

• Benchmarking: In the Automotive industry, we often compare our current design with its parent model and other competitor designs. This comparison is technically called Benchmarking, which includes the comparison with respect to certain parameters that are the characteristic features of the component. Benchmarking is carried out in two steps - Benchmarking-I and Benchmarking-II.
• Benchmarking-I: In this process we compare the current design or design concept with its parent component or other competitors in the market. Detailed study is carried out with respect to both the designs and a report is prepared. This benchmarking is done on a vehicle level and not on component level in the automotive industry.
• Benchmarking-II: In the second step of benchmarking, a component level comparison is carried out for a recognition of where our component stands in the market, and what improvement needs to be done. Each and every component is compared with the parent model and competitors’ model and a detailed report is prepared for modifications to be made.

Benchmarking for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii:

Interests & Needs of Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii

1. He is a family man with 5 members in his family.
2. Fond of Long Cars.
3. He would use the car to commute to his office daily and also for long drives on weekends.
4. His budget is around 8 lakhs to 10 lakhs.

Taking in consideration the above mentioned points we have benchmarked 6 sedan cars for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii.

I] Hyundai Verna:

Merits:

1. Excellent aesthetic finish and good looks
2. Petrol and diesel variants available.
3. Long Vehicle.
4. Automotive variant available
5. Good Boot space.

Demerits:

1. Costly compared to other cars.
2. Service cost may vary.

Milage:

21.3 KMPL

Price:

9.1 - 15 lakhs

II] Honda City:

Merits:

1. Excellent boot space
2. Comfort for tall passengers.
3. Long Car.
4. Petrol and diesel variants available.
5. Comparatively low service cost.

Demerits:

1. High price.
2. Comparatively Low milage

Milage:

17.4 KMPL

Price:

9 Lakhs to 15 Lakhs

III] Maruti Suzuki Dzire:

Merits:

1. Comparatively good mileage.
2. Comparatively less price.
3. Less service cost.

Demerits:

1. Comparatively less boot space.
2. Only manual transmission available.

Mileage:

24 KMPL

Price:

5.94 Lakhs - 8.9 Lakhs

IV] Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Sigma :

Merits:

1. Very good boot space
2. Good for tall drivers & passengers
3. Long Car
4. Lower variant is well equipped.
5. Available in Both petrol and diesel variant

Demerits:

1. Ride quality may differ
2. Simple design.

Mileage:

20 KMPL

Price:

8.8 lakhs to 9.2 lakhs

V] Honda Amaze V CVT:

Merits:

1. Considerable boot space
2. Available in both petrol and diesel variants.
3. Available in automatic transmission.

Demerits:

1. Noisy engine
2. Evident cost cutting

Mileage:

20 KMPL

Price:

8.23 lakhs to 9.25 lakhs

VI] Volkswagen Vento Trendline:

Merits:

1. Available in both petrol and diesel variants
2. Excellent ride
3. Considerable boot space.

Demerits:

1. Only manual transmission available.
2. Comparatively less mileage

Mileage:

18 - 20 KMPL

Price:

8.77 lakhs to 9.59 lakhs

Conclusion:

So, after comparing the above six cars, I would suggest Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii to buy Maruti Suzuki Dzire or Maruti Suzuki Sigma. They both are under his budget and have a considerable mileage. Both the cars come with good features, with great boot space and comfort of the passengers as per requirement.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Bootspace

Interior

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Sigma

Bootspace

Interior