Shigeru Yamazaki is the Senior Vice President & Director of Sales & Marketing at Honda Cars India Ltd. He served at the Automobile Business Division, Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd as General Manager before his current assignment. He has been associated with Honda Motor Co. for over 29 years, starting his career with the company since 1982. He has significant experience in product planning and has worked extensively in the Europe and United States division. In an interview with New Business Age last month, Shigeru talked about the Honda Amaze car and its importance in Nepali market. Excerpts: What is the intention of your visit to Nepal?
I came here to attend the launching ceremony of Honda Amaze car. We want to increase the Honda Motor share in Nepal by introducing this new model.
You said this is your first trip to Nepal. How did you find the country?
I was invited by Syakar Trading Company (STC), an authorized distributor for Honda cars in Nepal. It was raining when I arrived and I had a busy schedule. I did not get a chance to travel. However, I am planning to come in August in a private trip with my family.
What is so special about the Honda Amaze car?
The size of Honda Amaze is small and it is the leading car in terms of power space and fuel efficiency. The concept is to have a smart micro limousine which reflects values of stylish design, compactness, maneuverability and class leading space. It will be available in six exciting colours -- majestic blue metallic, carnelian red pearl, urban titanium metallic, alabaster silver metallic, crystal black pearl and taffeta white.
The car is suitable for congested areas and where parking space is limited. There is a 400 liter boot space accommodating two pieces of medium size luggage and two pieces of small size luggage while the mileage is 18 km per litre. The customers need to drive the car themselves to know how the car works.
How did you find the Nepali market for your products?
The Nepali market, I think, is quite similar to the Indian market. I believe Indian Honda brands will be good for Nepali customers. After a lot of experience in the Nepali market and with customers, we found that the demand for cars is growing. We are trying to meet their demands with plans to sell around 300 Sedan cars.
How will this product compete with other products in Nepal?
Honda is an established brand in the world. We established it as a premium brand which is more promising than ordinary ones. This is our brand image. Also, Honda is not only producing motors and cars but is winning the confidence of the customers as well. When we established our Nepal office, we brought cars that were popular in Japan, US, Europe and India. And three years ago we changed the strategy. We started bringing cars that would fulfill local requirements. This time we have introduced the Honda Amaze which is suitable for congested areas. Parking space is very limited here in Nepal and this car can be the best option.
