Benchmarking

BENCHMARKING:

Benchmarking is a process of measuring the performance of a company’s product,services or processes against those of another business considered to be the best in the industry.The point of benchmarking is to identify the internal opportunity for improvement.

In automobile industry benchmarking involves a structured comparison between similar products,services or process on some dimensions of performances.

For example it can be used to compare the availability and delivery of features in a product and in this form often provides the basis of customer test and reviews.These look at products and services and provide recommendation based on which is best or some form of ranking amongest competitors.

Benchmarking is a simple,but detailed five step process:

• Choose a product,service or internal department of benchmark
• Determine which best- in -class companies you should benchmark against which organization you will compare your business to.
• Gather information on their internal performance or merits.
• Compare the data from both organization to identify gaps in your company’s performance
• Adopt the processes the policies in the place within the best – in - class performance

Inorder to benchmark anything we need to have a quantitative data available to study.That means breakingdown of internal process to calculate performance metrics.Quantify everything,because only quantifiable information can be accurately compared.

Types of benchmarking:

Internal benchmarking:It is a comparison of a business process to a similar process inside the organization.

Competitive benchmarking:It is a direct competitor to competitor comparison of a product,services,process or methods.

Performance benchmarking:It is comparison of similar or identical practices within the same or similar functions outside the immediate industry.

Strategic benchmarking:

Strategic benchmarking looks at what other companies are doing in terms of top management capabilities, strategic initiatives, competitive product development and other long-term qualities and processes that have proved successful.

Benefits of benchmarking:

• Gain an independent perspective about how well you perform compared to other companies.
• Drill down into performance gaps to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop a standardized set of processes and metrics.
• Enable a mindset and culture of continuous improvement.
• Set performance 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, five-year-old boy, his father, and his mother. He visits his native place Madurai which is 500kms away from Bangalore once in 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 with options so that he will buy a good car for his family.

Note: Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars

Points to be considered in benchmarking:

• The car should be five seated
• He lives in a crowded city
• Once in month trip about 500 kms
• Uses car to commute to the office
• The budget is between 8-10 lakhs(on road price)
• The buyer is fond of big cars
• Should have good boot space

Approach:

• AS he uses the car for daily purpose it should have good mileage
• As he travels 500 kms to his native place the car should be comfortabe and should have good boot space and also some entertainment features
• As there are five family members the car should have 5 seats
• As there is child in the family car safety is must
• As the user is found of big cars around a price 8-10 lakhs.So the car body type such as suv and hatchback is perffered

List of cars:

• Kia Sonet THE 1.5
• Tata Altroz XM
• Hyundai i20 magna 1.5 MT
• Nissan Magnite Turbo XV DT

KIA SONET HTE 1.5:

Kia Sonet HTE 1.5 is the diesel variant in the Sonet lineup and is priced at ₹ 8-10 Lakh including taxes .It returns a certified mileage of 24.1 kmpl. This HTE 1.5 variant comes with an engine putting out 99 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 240 Nm @ 1500 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Kia Sonet HTE 1.5 is available in Manual transmission and offered in 4 colours: Gravity Grey, Steel Silver, Intense Red and Clear White.Kia sonet has a suv body type.

Body type:SUV

Engine:1493cc,4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC

Mileage:24.1

Ground clearance:205mm

Road price(Approximately)

Capacity:

Seating capacity:5

Fuel tank capacity:45 liters

Mileage:24.1

Boot space:392

Engine and Transmission

• Engine type-1.5L CRDT
• Mileage(ARAI):24.1
• Maximum Power(bhp@rpm)- 99bhp@4000rpm
• Maximum torque(NM@rpm)- 240nm@1500-2750rpm
• Fuel type:Diesel
• Transmission: Manuel 6 gear
• Emission standard:BS6

SUSPENSION AND BREAKS:

Front Suspension: McPherson Strut with Coil Spring Rear Suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with Coil Spring Front Brake: Disc Rear Brake: Drum

Safety

• Air bags:2 air bags(Driver and front passenger)
• Childe seat anchor point,seat belt reminder
• ABS with EBD
• Reverse parking sensor,High speed alert
• IRVM Day/Night,Central locking with speed sensing auto door locking and unlocking
• Impact sensing door unloack

Features

• Features such asAir conditioner,power steering(electric),adjustable seat ,tilte steering,electrically adjustable ORVM’s andfront power windows,rear AC vents and rear USB charger is available.

  Dimensions:

  · Length (mm)	3995
  · Width (mm)	1790
  · Height (mm)	1642
  · Boot Space (Litres)	392
  · Seating Capacity	5
  · Wheel Base (mm)	2500
  · No of Doors	5

  Style

• Body coloured Bumpers,Door handles, ORVMS
• 15 inch R15 steel wheels with full wheel covers
• Black interior,Fabric upholstery
• Front and rear skid plates

• Tyre:

  Tyre type -Tube less,radial

  Tyre size(Base)-195/65 R15

  Tyre size(Top)-215/60 R16

  Missing features:

  • Audio system with steering mounted controls
  • Rear power windows
  • Remote control central locking

  TATA ALTROZ XM:

• 

• Tata Altroz XM Diesel is the diesel variant in the Altroz lineup and is priced at ₹ 9-10Lakh including taxes.It returns a certified mileage of 25.11 kmpl. This XM Diesel variant comes with an engine putting out 90 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 200 Nm @ 1250 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Tata Altroz XM Diesel is available in Manual transmission and offered in 5 colours: Harbour Blue, Midtown Grey, HighStreet Gold, Downtown Red and Avenue White.

• Body type:Hatchback

  Engine: 1497 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC

  Mileage(ARAI):25.11 KMPL

  Driving range:929.07

  Road price(Approximately)

• 

• Capacity:

  • Seating capacity:5
  • Boot space:345

  Engine and transmission:

  • Engine type:1.5L TurboCharged Revotorque
  • Maximum Power(bhp@rpm)-90bhp@4000rpm
  • Maximum torque(NM@rpm)-200NM@1250rpm
  • Transmission:Manual,5gears
  • Emission standard BS6

  Break and suspension:

  • Front Brake: Disc
  • Rear Brake: Drum
  • Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson dual path strut with coil spring
  • Rear Suspension: Twist beam with coil spring and shock absorber

  Safety

  • 2 Air bags (Driver and front passanger)
  • Child seat anchor point,child safety lock
  • ABS with EBD,Reverse parking sensor
  • Speed sensing auto door lock,impact sensing auto dook unlock

  Features:

  • Power adjustable ORVM
  • Tilte steering adjustment
  • Front AC
  • Central locking with key
  • Power windows(Front and back)
  • Centrelly mounted fuel tank

  Missing feature:

  • Rear speaker
  • Rear AC vent

  Style:

  • Body coloured bumper,exterior door handles.
  • Fabric upholstery,Black and grey interiors
• 

• Tyre:

  • Front tyre-165 / 80 R14
  • Rear tyre-165 / 80 R14
  • Tyre type-Tube less radial tyre

  Dimensions

  • Length -3990 mm
  • Width -1755 mm
  • Height -1523mm
  • Wheelbase -2501mm
  • Ground Clearance -165mm

• HYUNDAI I20 MAGNA 1.5 MT:

• 

• Hyundai i20 Magna 1.5 MT Diesel is the diesel variant in the i20 lineup and is priced at ₹ 9-10 Lakh including taxes.It returns a certified mileage of 25.2 kmpl. This Magna 1.5 MT Diesel variant comes with an engine putting out 99 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 240 Nm @ 1500 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Hyundai i20 Magna 1.5 MT Diesel is available in Manual transmission and offered in 6 colours: Starry Night, Metallic Copper, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Fiery Red and Polar White.

  Body type:Hatchback

  Ground clearance:170mm

  Engine:1493 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC

  Mileage:25.2 KMPL

• Road price(Approximately):

• 

  Capacity:

  • Seating capacity:5
  • Fuel tank capacity:37 liters
  • Boot space:311 liters

  Engine and Transmission:

  • Engine Type:1.5I U2
  • Mileage:25.2 KMPL
  • Maximum Power(bhp@rpm)-99bhp@4000rpm
  • Maximum torque(NM@rpm)-240NM@1500rpm
  • Transmission:Manual,6Gear
  • Emission Standard-BS6

  Break and suspension:

  • Front Suspension: McPherson Strut with Gas Type Shock Absorber
  • Rear Suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Gas Type Shock Absorber
  • Front Brake: Disc
  • Rear Brake: Drum

  Safety:

  • Dual front airbags
  • ABS with EBD
  • Reverse Parking Sensors
  • Seat belt remainder,high speed alert

  Features:

  • Projected fog lamps,Day/Night IRVM
  • Electrically adjustable ORVM
  • Remote central locking
  • Speed sensing door lock
  • Impact sensing door unloack
  • Front and rear power window,Passenger side ventility mirror
  • Fixed front arm rest,Rear ac vents
  • Tilt and telescopic steering
  • Front power outlet and rear usb charger
  • Integrated rear headrest
  • Basic Audio system with steering mounted control

• Style:

  • LED DRL’s
  • 15 inch steel wheels,Body coloured bumpers,door handles,ORVMS
  • All around black garnish
  • Black interiors with copper inserts
  • Fabric upholstery with copper stitching
• 

• Dimensions:

  • Length - 3995 mm
  • Width - 1775mm
  • Height - 1505 mm
  • Wheelbase - 2580
  • Ground Clearance -170mm

  Missing Features:

  • Height Adjustable driver seats
  • Adjustable rear headrest

  NISSAN MAGNITE TURBO XV DT:

• 

• Nissan Magnite Turbo XV DT is a 5 seater SUV car available at a price range of Rs. 8 Lakh to 10.00 Lakh in India.It returns a certificated mileage of 20 KMPL The Magnite has a boot space of 336 litres while it's ground clearance is 205 mm. The petrol engine of Magnite is a 999cc unit which generates a power of 71.02bhp and a torque of 96nm.

  Body type:SUV

  Engine :999cc

  Mileage:20KMPL

  Fuel type :Petrole

• Road price(Approximately):
• 

• Capacity:

  • Seating capacity:5
  • Fuel tank capacity:40 Liters
  • Boot space: 336 liters

  Engine and transmission:

  • Engine type: HRA0 1.0 TURBO PETROL
  • Maximum power(bhp@rpm):98.63bhp@5000rpm
  • Maximum torque(nm@rpm):160nm@2800 3600rpm
  • Transmission:Manual,5gear
  • Emission standard:BS6

  Break and suspension:

  • Front suspension: Mac Pherson strut with Lower Transverse link
  • Rear Suspension:Twin tube telescopic shock absorber
  • Front Brake: Disc
  • Rear Brake: Drum

  Dimension:

  · Length (mm)	3994
  · Width (mm)	1758
  · Height (mm)	1572
  · Boot Space (Litres)	336
  · Seating Capacity	5
  · Ground Clearance Unladen (mm)	205
  · Wheel Base (mm)	2500
  · Kerb Weight (Kg)	1014
  · No of Doors	5

  Safety:

  • Airbags-2(Driver ,Front passenger)
  • Anti lock braking system,child safety lock
  • Day/night rear view mirror
  • Speed sensing door lock
  • Remote central locking
  • Impact sensing door unloack
  • Break assist

  Other features such as air conditioner,power steering,ABS,360 View camera,adjustable seating etc available.

  Features

  • LED Fog lamps
  • Rear Parking Camera
  • 8 Inch touch screen with wireless Apple carplay and Android Auto
  • Height Adjustable driver seat
  • Rear Armrest and 60:40 rear seat
  • Key less entry with push button Start/Stop
  • Front speaker,Rear speaker
  • Hill assist,centrelly mounted fuel tank
  • Electric folding of rear view mirror
  • Height adjustable driver seat,Power stearing

  Styles:

  • LED DRL’s and Alloy wheels
  • 7 Inch TFT MI
  • Chrome door handles
  • Adjustable head light
  • Alloy wheels,Chrome grill,Roof rail,Tinted glass
  • Fabric upholstery
• 

• Tyre:

• Tyre size(Base) - 195/60 R16
• Tyre size(top) -195/60 R16

Comparison

Body type:

Fuel type,Mileage:

Engine specification:

Dimension:

Safety(GNCAP rating):

Conclusion:

Kia sonet

Kia sonet has many good features, it has good mileage and dimension but when it comes to safety it is not worth to its price as it is more expensive than other cars which provide good safety to the passengers.

Tata Altroz:

It has almost all similar features which is present in Kia sonet and Hyundai i20,It has good mileage when compared to other cars and also it has a five star rating in safety. Its dimension is higher than Nissan magnite and Hyundai i20 .Cost is also cheaper than all the above cars.Though it has only 5 gears it is worthy to its price.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 has some good ferature such as , Rear ac vents, Audio system with steering mounted control which lacked kia sonet.It also has good mileage and safety but when comes to dimesion it is a small car when compared to other cars.

Nissan Magnite:

Nissan Magnite has high advanced features such as 8 Inch touch screen with wireless Apple carplay and Android Auto, Key less entry with push button Start/Stop.It has a dimension less than the Kia Sonet and Tata altroz .Mileage when compared to other petrole cars but the engine capacity is not good as other cars .

Suggestion:

Tata Altroz has almost all similar features which is present in Kia sonet and Hyundai i20,It has good mileage when compared to other cars and also it has a five star rating in safety. Its dimension is higher than Nissan magnite and Hyundai i20 .Cost is also cheaper than all the above cars.Though it has only 5 gears it is worthy to its price.

Based on Road price,mileage,safety,features,dimension I would suggest Tata Altroz.