Maruti Suzuki winning hearts: Celebrates 50 lakh sales in rural markets

With its sustained efforts and focus, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has attained the mark of 50 lakh sales cumulatively in rural markets. With over 1700 customized outlets in rural parts of the country, the Company was first to believe in the potential of upcountry markets. Today, reaping the benefits, nearly 40% of the total MSIL sales come from rural markets. Speaking on the success, Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Rural markets have a very special place in our business. Over the years, we have carefully studied the needs of this segment. While the aspirations of upcountry customer are very similar to those at metros, they demand more attention and care. We adopted the philosophy of ‘Go Local’ with 12,500 specially trained dealership personnel called Resident Dealer Sales Executives (RDSE), who understand the local culture and traditions to fulfill the expectation of these customers." He added, “In 2008, MSIL strengthened its strategy with a focused and structured approach towards the rural hinterland, which was least affected by the global financial crisis then. We built on the network with the aim of ‘Ghar Ghar Mein Maruti’ (Maruti in every household) to tap the immense potential in rural India. To engage