Benchmarking
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is defined as the process of measuring products, services, and processes against those of organizations known to be leaders in one or more aspects of their operations. Benchmarking provides necessary insights to help you understand how your organization compares with similar organizations, even if they are in a different business or have a different group of customers.
Benchmarking can also help organizations identify areas, systems, or processes for improvements—either incremental (continuous) improvements or dramatic (business process re-engineering) improvements.
- Benchmarking in the Automobile industry involves a structured comparison between similar products, services or processes on some dimensions or performance. It is the stage used in the vehicle development process.
- It can be used to compare the availability and delivery of features in a product and in this form ofter provides the basis of consumer tests and reviews which generates ranking amongst competitors.
- It can also be used in process innovation by analyzing how different organizations perform better. Process benchmarking can operate at several levels such as between similar processes within the same factory, between different factories, between different competing organizations, between different sectors, using the same process.
- Benchmarking can be grouped into 2 categories as Benchmarking I & Benchmarking II.
- Benchmarking I include defining competitors, price specifications and features on the segment.
- Benchmarking II includes component-wise comparison from competitor vehicles to reduce the weight of the car thereby improving performance.
CASE Study:
Benchmark with presently available cars in the market for the following 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
Requirements of Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii
- A car that can perform better in a crowded city.
- The car should have a minimum 5 seat capacity.
- It should cost in the range of 8-10 lakhs INR.
- He has a liking for bigger cars for eg SUVs.
RENAULT KIGER
The Renault Kiger is a perfect combination of form and functionality. Its dual-tone exteriors, combined with the sculpted bonnet, chrome grille and LED headlamps, set it apart from the crowd. In profile, the SUV is characterised by 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and a coupe-ish rooflin. The Renault Kiger’s cabin offers class-leading space to occupants. Complementing its stylish design and spacious interiors is the exclusive list of features available on the Renault Kiger. The floating 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment offers a plethora of connectivity options. The first-in-segment PM2.5 Clean Air Filter, which is attached to the ventilation system, gives occupants access to pure breathing air.
TATA PUNCH
The Punch offers a host of smart features like - projector headlights, LED DRLs, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED taillamps, and faux skid plates. Inside, the Punch comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multi-functional steering wheel, a part digital instrument cluster and more. While the Tata Punch is not a 4-Wheel-Drive (4WD) SUV, it still comes with some cool off-road credentials. Apart from the best-in-class ground clearance of 187 mm, the Punch comes with high approach (20.3-degree) and departure (37.6-degree) angles. Also, its water wading ability stands at 365 mm. Furthermore, the AMT version also comes with a new feature called 'traction pro' mode that offers the extra boost of power to navigate through muddy and low-traction surfaces.
NISSAN MAGNITE
The Magnite is the brand's first subcompact SUV in the Indian market, based on the same CMF-A+ platform that underpins its cousin - the Renault Kiger. The SUV is available in four main trims - XE, XL, XV and XV Premium, which are further classified into 20 different grades, based on optional features, along with engine and transmission choices. It is also one of the most affordable options available in the subcompact SUV spac. The design is a big plus for the Magnite. The muscular lines and the beefy claddings add to its aggressive stance, while features like LED projector headlamps, DRLs, dual-tone 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED taillights and chrome styling elements add to its premium-ness. The Magnite was awarded a 4 star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.
HYUNDAI VENUE
The Hyundai Venue is one of the most popular subcompact SUVs in India. The SUV was the first fully connected SUV to be launched in the country, and it continues to be one of the most value for money SUVs in the under ₹ 12 lakh space. The Hyundai Venue is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options and comes with a range of smart features. The Venue comes with the design and proportions of a proper SUV. It's also one of the most attractive offerings in this segment. Hyundai has an array of powerful and efficient engines on offer with the Venue - A frugal 1.2-litre petrol engine, a powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and for the diesel lovers, a capable 1.5-litre oil burner. The Venue is loaded with smart features like the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay & Android auto, Bluelink connected car tech, air purifier, wireless charging, sunroof, and 60:40 split rear seat, among others.
Comparison charts
1) Safety
2) Comfort & Convenience
3) Engine and Transmission
4) Capacity
5) Price (Ex showroom)
Renault Kiger RXZ - 8.09 lakhs
Tata Punch Creative AMT - 9.01 lakhs
Nissan Magnite Turbo XV Premium - 9.09 lakhs
Hyundai Venue S Plus - 8.66 lakhs
Conclusion
Based on above benchmarking and comparsion study I would recommend Nissan Magnite Turbo XV Premium as it has best mileage amongst the others, also it comes in budget of Mr D.S. Pughazhyendhii.