In less than two weeks since starting operations in a staggered manner, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has reported sales of more than 21,000 units. According to the company, retail sales appear to be gaining traction even when there’s uncertainty in the market. HMSI also believes that rising sales is indicative of the trust that its customers have in the brand.
Along with sales, service demand has also picked up pace at HMSI dealerships. The company has reported that around 2.5 lakh Honda customers across the country have utilized two-wheeler servicing at the company’s dealerships and authorized service centres. These numbers should be encouraging for HMSI and the entire auto sector, as it shows signs of revival in these challenging times. Due to lockdown, most auto companies had registered close to zero sales in April 2020.
Earlier, there were apprehensions that customers may delay their purchase decision indefinitely. However, with auto companies witnessing decent growth in sales and bookings, things appear to be moving towards normalcy.
Honda2Wheelers 21k sales comes at a time when only 45% of its dealerships and 30% of its total network touch points are currently open. Restrictions will be further eased during Lockdown 4.0, so more dealerships and touch points could open their shutters.
From May 04, HMSI had started operations in Orange and Green zones. The company and its dealerships have been strictly following the guidelines issued by the government. HMSI has released a “Dealership Operations Resumption Manual”, which provides detailed information about new set of operational procedures to be followed to view of the coronavirus pandemic. All company employees and dealership staff are following mandated safety, sanitization and social distancing norms to stop the spread of Covid-19.
To boost sales, HMSI has launched new schemes for customers. These include low-down payment, up to 100% loan to value, and discounts and benefits worth Rs 12,000. Instead of loan, customers can directly choose EMI option on their debit or credit card.
HMSI is currently offering this facility on more than 20 credit and debit cards. Customers who do not want to visit dealerships can book their favourite Honda two-wheeler online. In other relief measures, HMSI has extended free service and warranty / extended warranty commitments till June 30, 2020.
HMSI has also launched special schemes for its dealers, who have been hit hard due to lockdown. The company is offering a comprehensive financial support package for its dealers to help them tide over the current challenges. HMSI has also announced that it will be bearing 40 days of interest cost on BS6 inventory, which will be a huge help to dealerships.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
