Benchmarking
QUESTION
1. 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, 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
Prepare a report explaining what is benchmarking
compare at least 4 vehicles.
provide a proper conclusion for the report, suggesting a suitable vehicle among the comparison made.
BENCHMARK
Some of the benchmark indexes that investors can use to track the performance of the automotive sector are the Nasdaq OMX Global Auto Index, the S-Network Global Automotive Index.
the MSCI ACWI Automobiles and Components Index, and the STOXX Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts index Benchmarking is a process where you measure your companys success against other similar companies to discover if there is a
gap in performance that can be closed by improving your performance. Studying other companies can highlight what it takes to enhance your companys efficiency and become a bigger player in your industry.
Why benchmarking is important in automotive industry?
1. competitive analysis
By identifying areas you wish to improve on in your business and benchmarking your existing performance against competitors, your
business can strive to enchance your execution tenfold. Using benchmarking this way has allowed business to gain strategic
advantages over competitors and grow industry averages.
2. Monitor performance
Benchmarking involves looking at current trends in data and projecting future trends depending on what you aim to achieve. In order
to know you have been successful, benchmarking needs to be a continous process. Monitoring performance is an inherent
characteristic of it.
3. Continous improvement
As well as monitor performance, continous improvement is an essential attribute of benchmarking. This is because the aim of
benchmarking is to improve a certain element of a business. This improvemnt should not merely be something that improves once
and is forgotten, but something that improves over time and is continuous.
4. Planning and goal setting
Once benchmarking has been carried out, goals and performance metrics are set in order to improve performance. These goals are
new more competitive targets for a company but they must be achievable. If goals are unrealistic to achieve teams become
demotivated and goals are destined to remain unfulfilled.
5. Encourage ownership
When companies look at their processes and metrics they need to ask hard questions to get all the answers they need. This includess
talking to everyone in the business and understanding their roles. By asking these questions and gaining a better understandind of
everyones role, ownershiip for processes and performance is encouraged. This means that employees will take pride in their job and
the work they do. This pride leads to better performance and higher-quality end results.
Benchmarking Process
Planning
The first stage of benchmarking is the most important in the process. Planning includes highlighting what you want to improve, Who
you will benchmark yourself against, and how you envisage success.Only once this step has been completed will you be able to move onto the next step as the results of planning will focus on the information you need to collect and what success will look like.
After planning, benchmarking is about collecting information on your processes and how competitors do them. If you are looking to
improve your customer service satisfaction rating you should understand the processes involved in the department, how calls and
communication are dealt with, and also how it differs from your competition. maybe you can talk to someone in another call center ,
or call the center directly to gain first hand knowledge of their processes. At this point, it is important to gather as much information
as possible.
Analysis of Data
Once you feel you have all the information you can gather, you can start to plot it and begin to understand the shortcomings you may have. it is important to remember at this point in the process that no business is perfect and you must have an open mind to be
able to analyze information objectively. once findings start to be uncovered you can draft a report and start discussing the next steps
to achieve better performance in this area.
Action
presenting findings to a departments is never an easy thing, especially when you are proposing changes. Gathering and analyzing
information is only worthwhile when you can implement changes and better the company in the process. Gaining buy-in from a
department can involve concessoions so make sure the MvP you present is accepted and will likely equate to the success highlighted
in the planning stage
Inputs:
No of Persons:5
Distance:500kms once in a month
Price:8 to 10 Lakhs
Car size: Big cars he will be using his car to commute to his office.As per the above inputs i am going to suggest the below 3 cars with specifications and positives and neg
| Price | ₹ 9.20 Lakh |
|---|---|
| Mileage (ARAI) | 20.53 kmpl |
| Engine | 999 cc |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seater |
pros of Kiger kiger
- Choice of 4 engine-transmission combinations
- Both petrol engines are very fuel-efficient
- Affordable pricing
- Biggest boot space in the segment; it’s considerably bigger than even the Magnite, which shares the mechanicals with the Kiger
- 205mm ground clearance
- Decent styling
- 16-inch wheels are standard on all variants
- Reasonably well equipped for the price
- If you are in the market for a diesel vehicle, Kiger has nothing for you.
- There is no sunroof in any of the variants of the Kiger. ...
- The Eco drive mode in the Kiger is more sluggish than what is expected
| Price | ₹ 9.49 Lakh |
|---|---|
| Mileage (ARAI) | 20.35 kmpl |
| Engine | 1197 cc |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seater |
Pros
- Looks Sporty: The new-generation Hyundai i20 is designed under the brand's Sensuous Sportiness philosophy and is one of the sportiest looking hatchbacks in its segment. It comes with a gloss black honeycomb grille, LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, front lamps, Z-shaped LED taillamps, diamond cut alloys, and dual-tone roof option.
- Connected Car And Feature Packed Cabin: The all-new i20 is India's first premium hatchback that offers connected car technology and gets over-the-air (OTA) updates. The new-gen Hyundai i20 also comes with premium features such as wireless charging with a cooling pad, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric sunroof, premium seven-speaker Bose sound system and air purifier among others
- Bigger Footprint: Dimension-wise, the car has grown in length and width by 10 mm and 41 mm respectively, but the height remains unchanged. Moreover, the wheelbase also has been increased by 10mm. In fact, the carmaker says that the rear legroom has gone up by 88 mm.
- Upmarket Cabin: The cabin of the all-new Hyundai i20 has received a massive update. It now comes with dual-tone treatment with leatherette upholstery featuring contrast stitching enhancing the overall cabin layout. There is a new digital instrument cluster and a TFT screen.
- Multiple Engine Options: the Hyundai i20 shares its engines with the Venue subcompact SUV. It includes a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual gearbox along with a 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), an iVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) automatic and a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) automatic
Cons
- Expensive Proposition: The new-gen Hyundai i20 is the most expensive model in its segment. Ex-showroom prices for the Hyundai i20 starts from ₹ 6.91 lakh and go up to ₹ 11.25 lakh.
- Boot Space: At 311-litres, the Hyundai i20 is little tight in boot space, especially given its price
- No Diesel Automatic On Offer: The 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in the new Hyundai i20 is offered with the six-speed manual transmission as standard. The carmaker isn't offering automatic transmission even as an option.
HYUNDAI AURA SX PLUS 1.2 AMT PETROL
SPECIFICATION
| Mileage (upto) | 20.1 kmpl |
| Engine (upto) | 1197 cc |
| BHP | 81.86 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Seats | 5 |
| Service Cost | Rs.2,721/yr |
Hyundai Aura SX Plus 1.2 AMT Petrol is a Petrol version from Hyundai. It is priced at ₹ 9.30 lakh in chennai . It comes with 1197 cc Petrol engine and 5-speed gear AMT transmission. It gives mileage of 20 kmpl (ARAI Mileage). The fuel tank capacity of Aura SX Plus 1.2 AMT Petrol is 37 litres. So Aura SX Plus 1.2 AMT Petrol gives a range of 740 Km on a full tank.
Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT mileage : It returns a certified mileage of 20.1 kmpl.
probs
Lively Engine
This Aura has the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor. It makes almost 100bhp and 172Nm of torque. What’s nice is that it is silent most of the time. But give it a foot full of the accelerator pedal and the engine noise will please your ears.
The power delivery is linear and there aren’t any jerky surprises. In fact, there’s a strong pull from 1,600rpm onwards all the way till the 6,600 limit. The motor is reasonably flexible too, so in 2nd gear you can do about 15kmph, no need to downshift even for speed breakers.
Slow Speed Ride
The Aura’s ride quality is on the softer side. This means that it offers a cushy ride to its passengers at slow speeds. What also helps is that there’s hardly any suspension noise too, which ups the comfort quotient.
The only things you really hear is some road noise and the truly noisy heavy vehicles. Hyundai has done a good job with the cabin insulation of the Aura.
Ground Clearance
Let’s admit it, sedans aren’t really known for clearing speed breakers easily. They usually tend to scrape their belly with some occupants on board. Not the case with the Aura though.
We’ve put it through most speed breaker sizes with three people and am yet to scrape this Hyundai. No worries here if you miss spotting one, and again, this brings a lot of confidence while driving on our roads, since most of the speed breakers are unmarked and can actually cause more harm than good.
Fresh Looking Cabin
The Aura’s cabin is a pretty one. Everything from to the fish-skin trim, the turbine-looking vents, the dual tone, the large buttons and controls, and the flowing theme onto the centre console; they all look and feel good. We just felt that if the wireless charging layout was more portrait than landscape, I could have read-off my google maps without twisting my head so much; just a thought.
And there’s lots of features to pamper you too. From the chilly climate control, the swift infotainment system, numerous compatibility options for your phone- including the wireless kind just make charging a lot easier.
Space and Seats
Once seated, you appreciate the airy cabin, thanks to the dimensions and large windows. The seats aren’t too soft, so coupled with the nice contours and good back and thigh support, long journeys will be comfy.
We would have liked some extra shoulder support, but that's just grumpy side of me talking. Rear seat is best for two. Although there’s adequate knee and foot room, a flat floor along with a big bench, taking a third occupant will be a squeeze nonetheless.
cons
Bouncy High-speed Ride
Sure, the slow speed ride is comfortable and all, but things take a different turn as soon as you start going faster. We noticed the Aura’s ride quality getting considerably bouncy.
Now, if you’re travelling with a bunch of occupants who’ve just had a meal, dialling down the speed will make more sense than having to listen to their stories later.
Exterior Rear
Okay, we understand that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but, we just can’t ignore the fact that that the Aura’s rear section looks displeasing.
And if you were already trying to look away from the Aura’s boot, you might also want to note that there’s no external button to release the boot lid.
MARUTI SUZUKI BALENO ALPHA 1.2 AT
SPECIFICATION
| Price | ₹ 8.99 Lakh |
|---|---|
| Mileage (ARAI) | 22.35 kmpl |
| Engine | 1197 cc |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seater |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha MT is the petrol variant in the Baleno lineup and is priced at ₹ 8.99 Lakh.It returns a certified mileage of 22.35 kmpl. This Alpha MT variant comes with an engine putting out 88 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha MT is available in Manual transmission and offered
colours: Nexa Blue, Grandeur Grey, Splendid Silver, Luxe Beige, Opulent Red and Pearl Arctic White.
probs
Cruising mode
With a full quota of load – five passengers and their weekend luggage – the Baleno doesn’t feel as energetic as it did in the city. It can still do a 120kmph cruise without a problem but to get back to this figure after having passed slow moving traffic or an intersection, does require the engine to be worked hard. Short shifts that worked so well in the city feel hugely inadequate on the highway. So, one must rev the Baleno to over 4000rpm to get the sort of drive that wouldn’t be termed boring.
Straight-line stability
Now, given the Maruti Baleno’s lack of weight, one might assume that the car won’t feel as stable as the competition especially at three digits speeds. But, it does, even with just the driver. It doesn’t feel flighty, isn’t affected by cross winds much, and is completely planted under quick lane change no matter what speed. It brakes well too. Here the lack of weight helps. It has strong braking power, which is easy to modulate, and there’s hardly a twitch even under hard braking.
Cornering fun
The lack of weight helps the Baleno’s cornering mannerisms as well. It’s not the quickest at turn in and it does roll a little but it’s never worrisome. It also handles a tight sequence of corners with quick direction changes without feeling skittish, even under mid-corner lift off. A loaded Baleno is a little more challenging around bends, however. The added weight affects the car’s rear end response. The suspension does pogo a little and it doesn’t track as well as a Baleno with just two occupants. Drop your pace though, and the Maruti feels a whole lot better.
CONS
The reason for its lightweight and fuel efficiency is the cause of its undoing. Although probably better than most Suzuki cars in India, Its body is made of a thinner plate of metal than cars like Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz, making it more vulnerable on the road, and dents can be horrific.
bsurdly Overpriced Mild-Hybrid Petrol Engine
Maruti Suzuki offer the Baleno with two engine options - normal petrol and a mild hybrid petrol engine. The latter engine comes with two injectors per cylinder while the normal petrol engine gets one per cylinder; 4 in total. The mild-hybrid system comes with a Li-ion battery that also provides torque-assist at city speeds. If you compare the specs, the hybrid model offers 90PS, which is 7PS more compared to the 83PS normal petrol engine. However, the incremental cost of Rs. 89,000 is too high for an increase of 2.86kmpl in fuel efficiency.
Acceptable But Unimpressive Part’s Quality
The Baleno is a stylish hatchback but doesn’t justify its premium quotient tag. The interior quality is average at best, with subpar plastics used. The sheet metal of the panels is flimsy and showcases a considerable amount of flexing as well. Maruti Suzuki should offer better plastic quality and use better materials for outside panels.
Lack Of Features
Maruti Suzuki have specced the Baleno very wisely. But the Baleno misses out on some equipment that the competition is now offering. Features like wireless charging, rear armrest with cupholders, rear AC vents, branded audio, cruise control and many such features are missing in the package. We expect things to go uphill with the upcoming facelift of the Baleno that is slated for next year.
CONCLUSION:
I would suggest MARUTI SUZUKI BALENO ALPHA 1.2 AT for Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii family, BALENO is a excellent offering which is safest car in its segment. It is also value for money product with class leading features.