Japanese automaker Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private LTD (TKM) was founded in 1937 and is now spread Worldwide.Toyota has factories in most parts of the world like India, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Pakistan, China, Russia, manufacturing or assembling vehicles for local markets. Toyota is famous world over for its set of values system, methods, and beliefs, which are collectively known as The Toyota Way.
Toyota motors showrooms are spread all over India and one of the latest and first dealership in Kashmir namely Ansari Toyota was opened in August this year. The showroom is spread across an area of 50,000 sq feet, boasting six service bays, six body & paint lanes along with one paint booth.
In an interview CEO Ansari Toyota Irfan Ansari speaks to Kaiser A. Mir
A brief intro about yourself?
My name is Irfan Ansari residing in Srinagar. I did schooling in Srinagar from Burnhall till year 1991and when there was volatile situation here I moved outside the state. I went to Shimla and joined St. Bishop School. After completing schooling from there, I pursued higher studies from Delhi University.
Tell us about your business journey?
At first I joined my family business; we were already in automobile dealership business known as Ansari Motors. In 2002 I started IT- and communication firm called I-peaks business. I took up a project to provide Wi-fi service in Dal Lake and completed it successfully. It was for the first time such a project was done. We were very much appreciated by Mufti Sahab who was CM at that time.
What are the main attributes of your dealership?
The entire dealership is designed as per dealer facility concept ‘DIVA’ (Distinctive, Inviting, Value Added Service, Advanced) with an aim to offer efficient operations by being customer centric and also to retain clients along with providing value added services to customers. Our outlet is established to provide all solutions to customers based in Srinagar and its adjoining areas. The dealership is spread across an area of 50,000 sq feet, boasting six service bays, six body & paint lanes along with one paint booth. It has also been designed with a lush showroom and more than 50 parking bays. Previously there was no dealership of Toyota in Srinagar and customers were forced to travel to Jammu for any assistance regarding the rectification of vehicles.
How do you see Kashmir as market for Toyota vehicles?
Toyota vehicles have excellent product range for both commercial as well as non-commercial range. It is offering the best products in both these ranges. There are good prospects for Toyota here because in Kashmir there is good potential in tourism industry and most of the tourist cabs running here are the Toyota Innova`s. Earlier these people had to move to Jammu for the servicesetc but now it is available here it will definitelyboost sale of Toyota vehicles in Kashmir region. Moreover for a private customer it is very hectic to move to Jammu or other place to see a car. Hence with dealership here, I think market for Toyota is going to excel.
How has been progress in sales?
Well regarding sales I would like to say that we have just started and also it is end of year and generally people are waiting for new releases on New Year. So, we are expecting good growth in coming time.
How is competition from Tata and Mahindra?
We have competition with Maruti Suzuki only, TATA and Mahindra are not in our competition because hardly any of their vehicles match our standards.
Environmental concern is a big issue for automobile companies. What is Toyota doing in this regard?
Since Toyota is among the world’s largest car manufacturer, it is committed to tackling environmental issues. Its approach is both long-term and holistic. The total life cycle of the product, from design and use of materials to end-of-life recycling, is examined for environmental impact. You must be aware about a Tv show ‘Greenathon’. Toyota, together with NDTV, conducted a host of eco-initiatives that culminated in India’s first 24-hour live TV programme.
What difference do you see in an entrepreneur and an employee?
I do not see much difference in an entrepreneur and the one working in a company. Nowadays we see persons doing a job earn handsome and also work innovatively like an entrepreneur. Recently founder of facebook Mark Zuckerburg said, “I probably would have taken an engineering job if facebook hadn`t happened”. So I think a person should not feel little if he cannot be an entrepreneur.
Since you belong to a political family.Has it helped you?
My father is first a religious leader and then a politician. I being the son of a religious/political leader never helped me in business because a company like Toyota does not give you business on basis of your religion or political background. The only thing that favored me being a son of politician is that I could get my work done bit faster and I think this advantage is enjoyed by everyone in India or anywhere.
Why administration raised objection over the construction of ToyotaAnsari?
Administration has put some baseless allegation on us. It was actually my father MolviIftikhsartSahab who raised concern about the wet lands in and around Pattan area. Now it is said that this place is also a wet land, but I have been given permission by the authoritiesfor establishing my business. It was also said that the gap between my showrooms is less than the prescribed gap length. I can show you documents were it is mentioned that gap should be 164 ft. that we have fallowed. But later, when we completedall construction, authoritiescomes up with another order that gap should have be 200 ft. Now how is that justified, I have gone through legal procedure to set up infrastructure and was granted permission to setup this dealership here because I am genuine on my side.