Bosch, the Germany based automotive component maker, is all set to expand its servicing network in India. The company has plans to grow to twice its present numbers and reach 3,000 mark in the next three years.
Bosch, which was earlier limited to making equipments for larger vehicles, recently entered the two-wheeler servicing sector and has successfully opened 11 'Express Bike Service' (EBS) outlets in Delhi and Coimbatore so far.
Talking about this, Bosch Vice President (Automotive Aftermarket) S Muralidharan said, "Our vision is to have an overall 2,500-3,000 service centres across the country. Out of these, we are targeting to open 500 EBS."
At present, Bosch has a total of 1,500 service centres in the country which includes those for commercial as well as passenger vehicles. Of these 500 service centres are for passenger vehicles, 800 for commercial vehicles and 200 for other types of vehicles which include two wheelers also.
Muralidharan further pointed out that, "We want to go closer to the customers and that is why we want to expand. We are now targeting the North India very aggressively.”
In order to bridge the gap in service Network in India, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, in the third week of October 2012 launched 100 service centres in North India. These 100 outlets were opened in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other northern states. The breakup for the same consists of 10 outlets in Delhi, 47 in UP and 43 collectively in Punjab, Chandigarh and Panchkula.
These service centres will make servicing of multi-brand vehicles across different segments quite easy. Elaborating Further, Muralidharan said, "In recent times, various new models have been launched in two-wheeler segment. After completing the free limited service of the products, usually consumers take the bikes and scooters to road-side garage, which use lots of spurious parts. We want to give them an affordable and genuine solution."
He added that the company has already opened 10 EBS outlets in Coimbatore and has now opened a pilot project in Delhi. He was quoted as saying, "Our target is to have 50 EBS centres by the end of this year.”
The automotive aftermarket has a significant contribution to Bosch India's revenues with its total share being around 18-20 per cent. The second quarter results of Bosch India showed an income of Rs. 2157.2 crore from operations. This also marked a growth of 6.9 per cent for this quarter that ended on June 30.
"The aftermarket division is growing at 15 per cent every year and is doubling its turnover every year. Our plan is to continue the same, but we have to see for the next few years," Muralidharan said.
He further added that the contribution of exports in aftermarket division's income is about 10-15 per cent. He added that the company's exports market, apart from some African countries included Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other ASEAN nations.
