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<ul><li>The pandemic has transformed the <keyword id="6354839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marketing" source="Orion">marketing</keyword> playbook as brands are having to rethink their strategies to pivot to stay relevant in this new world order. </li><li>We speak to <keyword id="169965" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shashank-Srivastava" source="Orion">Shashank Srivastava</keyword>, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, <keyword id="44883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti-suzuki" source="Orion">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> who walks us through the brand's experience through the last two challenging year. He tells us about the brand's marketing strategy and the key areas of focus going ahead.</li></ul>Even before the pandemic hit our lives and businesses all over the world, the auto sector in India had been witnessing a slowdown. The transition from BS4 to BS6 norms in the country had led to this slowdown back then and hopes of things falling back on track were squashed as the pandemic hit us in March 2020. The lockdown impacted the industry. It resulted in the shutdown of production at <keyword id="451306" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="original-equipment-manufacturers" source="Orion">original equipment manufacturers</keyword> (OEM) and disrupted the value chain of major industries in India. In fact, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said that auto sales across segments in India slipped to a six-year low in the year ended in March 2021. However, what this led to was a pent-up demand for vehicles in the country. In fact, with the pandemic, people wanted to own their own vehicles to travel safely leading to a healthy bounce back on the demand side. The global shortage for semiconductor still remains and with Covid numbers rising again, most analysts are cautiously optimistic about 2022. To understand how things have been for Maruti Suzuki since the pandemic, and what the year ahead holds for the brand as well as the <keyword id="34478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-industry" source="Orion">auto industry</keyword> in general, we spoke to Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki. Excerpts: Q) The world has been going through some challenging times in the past 2 years. How has Maruti Suzuki fared in these unprecedented times? If you take a quick look back at the Indian auto industry, we saw a peak in terms of sales in 2018-19 when we had around 3.7 million sales. In 2019, the BS4 to BS6 transition led to a slowdown for the Indian auto industry. In fact, the industry came down about 18% in 2019-20. At the start of FY20-21, there was a lot of hope that it will be a better year. Unfortunately, the year started with a lockdown. In fact, the sale in April, for the first time ever, was zero. That quarter, the industry was down by 80%. But from there, we suddenly saw a bounce back. We also saw a huge shift towards digitization and a lot of consumers started using that for the sales process. The year ended well. In fact, our highest monthly sales happened in October. Then, we were hit by the second wave in 2021 and this time the virus also affected the rural areas. However, towards the second half of CY 21, ie July onward, we had the semiconductor shortage. Despite the twin challenges of the pandemic and the semiconductor shortage, the industry ended the year with 3.1 million car sales. And the 3 million mark has only been breached twice before this, in 2017 and 2018. So going ahead, we are optimistic about the demand. Of course we are being cautious in our optimism because perhaps we have the third wave coming. However, the industry has learnt to cope better and therefore we are much more optimistic about 2022. Q) In the past two years, there have been massive changes in consumer behavior. How did you have to pivot your marketing to be relevant in these challenging times? There have indeed been some big changes in the consumer behavior. Firstly, people are moving towards personal mobility from public transport, thereby fueling the demand for the industry. Secondly, many people are buying cars, more for the sake of practicality than for their aspirations. This has resulted in an increase in first-time buyers. Also, due to loss in income and business, we have witnessed a telescoping of demand. People from a higher variant are moving to a lower variant which has also led to a huge demand for used cars. Meanwhile, theprocess of buying has also altered and consumers have become digital savvy. Digital inquiries have increased from 15% to close to 40% now. In terms of communicating with our consumers, we have observed that trust has become an important factor for brands now. Trust is the new currency of brand recognition. And that’s what we have tried to do. During the lockdown, it wasn’t about selling but we would put out messages to spread social awareness, regarding environment, sustainability or our CSR activities. And during adverse times, people tend to move towards a brand which is more reliable and trustworthy and that is an advantage we had. We also saw people’s media habits change. There was an obvious shift towards digital and on TV, GECs and News did really well. So those were the mediums we really used and it has given us good results. Q) What is your media mix? Has your digital spend come very close to your TV spends? Our digital spends have gone up and are now close to 27% of our overall spends, and we spend roughly 31% on TV. And the general projection is that our digital spend will exceed our TV spends in a couple of years. And this year, our media spends will be much higher than 2021. Since in 2022, we are planning many new launches, our spends around launches will go up. There will be an increase in tactical spends this year too. Q) Buying a car is a very touch-and-feel experience. People want to visit a showroom, see the car, test drive it before making the final decision. From that perspective, how challenging have things been, since we are again staring at a possible third wave. Our research on the consumer buying process has revealed that from the time a customer thinks of buying a car till the time he actually buys it, there are 26 checkpoints. Out of those, we have digitized 24 touchpoints including payment and financing. However we know that buying a car is the second largest purchase for a consumer, after buying a house. So there are 2 checkpoints which are not digitized, including test drives and delivery. Therefore, the challenge for the OEMs and the manufacturers in the auto industry is how to develop a digital platform that gives customers the confidence that it is safe and that’s what we are trying to do. We’ve made sure the SOPs we have put in place are strong and people feel safe when they visit us which is why our walk-in inquiries have come down only marginally even post Covid. Q) How much focus will be on regional communication going ahead? We are transforming our media strategy in response to an increased focus on vernacular and for the last few quarters, we have focused largely on vernacular. Today, even OTT platforms are focusing on vernacular. It is a fast changing ecosystem and we’re keeping a close watch. Q) Till a few years back, Print used to be an important medium for auto as a segment. Does it continue to be important for Maruti Suzuki? From an awareness point of view and a top funnel activity, for building consideration, use of print has reduced dramatically. However, for the lower end of the funnel activity, which is at the localized level, you still need print. Q) The conversation around EVs is heating up. Where does Maruti Suzuki stand? There is consensus in the industry that going forward EVs will become mainstream. But when we reach that point of inflection when there will be large scale adoption is not yet clear. So the question at this point isn’t whether, its when! When it happens will depend on how quickly the cost of acquisition of EVs will come down. Worldwide, electric vehicles are just around 2% of the total industry. The slower adoption is due to high cost of acquisition, inefficient charging infrastructure and the high cost of battery technology. Most analysts are pointing out that by 2030, roughly 10% of vehicles in India will be EVs. Our short-term goal should be to focus hybrid and CNG, to help the environment. Q) As a marketer, what are your key focus areas going to be going ahead? Maruti Suzuki is already one of the most trusted brands. But trust has become a big factor that helps us build differentiation. So we will continue building on that trust. Secondly, we will continue conveying to consumers that we are continuously bringing products that they require. Also, from a marketing perspective, today its no longer about the product alone but about mobility as a service which includes subscription offers, financing, etc. Our aim would be to come up with products and offerings that can make everyday life of our consumers easy.

Our current spends on digital and TV is 27% and 31% respectively but our digital spends will exceed TV spends in a couple of years: Shashank Srivastava, Maruti Suzuki

New Delhi, May 18 () Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Monday said it has delivered over 5,000 cars in the past few days with over 1,350 showrooms operational across the country at present.The company has put in place comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all its dealerships, MSI said in a statement.With the SOPs in place, over 1,350 Maruti Suzuki showrooms and over 300 True Value outlets are operational now, it added."The company has put in place comprehensive norms to ensure that their car buying experience is completely safe. These norms are based on guidelines from the central and state governments," MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said.He further said,"We would like to encourage our customers to digitally choose and book their car and take advantage of the convenience of home delivery of their new vehicles."MSI has a network of 3,086 showrooms across 1,964 towns and cities. "All of them will abide by the new safety protocols. The remaining showrooms would open in due course if they are not in containment zones or if not specifically restricted by any local guidelines," the company said.On Sunday, the company said its Gurugram plant would resume production from Monday, after 57 days of closure due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.The auto major has resumed operations at its Manesar-based plant earlier this month after around 50 days of closure. RKL ANUANU

Maruti Suzuki delivers 5,000 cars in past few days; 1,350 showrooms operational

Greater Noida, Feb 5 () The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it aims to manufacture and sell another million "green vehicles" in the next couple of years as it accelerates its eco-friendly mobility drive. Kicking off the Auto Expo here, MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said the company has already sold a million green cars, comprising CNG and smart hybrids in the last decade. Showcasing its concept Futuro-e, an electric SUV, he said the car is being shown for the first time globally here, reflecting the importance of Indian customers in Suzuki's business. "Our theme at the Auto Expo 2020 - Mission Green Million - explains our commitment towards bringing affordable and sustainable green technologies for India. We aim to manufacture and sell the next million green vehicles at a much faster pace, over the next couple of years, " Ayukawa told reporters here. The next million green vehicles from company will include a range of technologies and power trains such as CNGs, smart hybrids, strong hybrids and electric vehicles, he added. "We are banking on customers to accept and upgrade to new technology including the electrified powertrain," he said adding mass acceptance will give original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) desired volumes to bring in localisation benefits to customers. On the concept Futuro-e, he said, the electric SUV-coupe which is defined by its bold and sporty characteristics has been conceptualised and designed in India by the company. "The Concept Futuro-e has the potential to redefine next generation SUV design language in India," Ayukawa added. Reiterating the company's commitment to CNG technology, he said, "In the coming times we are committed to expand our CNG portfolio to include many more models." At present, eight of the company's most popular models are offered with CNG option, he added. "We have sold over six lakh factory-fitted CNG cars till date," Ayukawa said. On smart hybrids, he said five models from the company have this option. With India moving to BSVI emission norm from April this year, Ayukawa said MSI has stopped manufacturing BSIV vehicles and "all our production is now BSVI compliant". "Our BSVI range has sold almost 6 lakh vehicles across the country," Ayukawa said. Stressing that the company is committed to India's national agenda of safe, sustainable and environment friendly products Ayukawa said, "We strongly believe that mass acceptance is crucial for the success of any new technology and continuity of business." Commenting on market conditions, he said the starting of the new decade is a little muted and the industry is under pressures of high acquisition and low demand. He, however, said that decade will be marked with new trends in automobile sector with customers seeking unique mobility solutions, futuristic innovations, eco-friendly technologies and feature rich products. "Coming times will see the industry elevated in terms of technology, design maturity and much more. Volumes will grow manifold," Ayukawa said. MSS RKL ANSANS

Aim to sell one million environment-friendly cars over next few years: Maruti

<ul><li>Maruti’s brand, scale, and reach can be a big boost for electric vehicles in India </li><li>Other leaders in the segment, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Tata, had already introduced their EV models in the Indian market </li><li>In India, the sale of electric cars has been sluggish with sales dipping in FY 2017-18 </li></ul>Indian automobile giants have forayed into the electric vehicle market with Mahindra &amp; Mahindra taking the lead and acquiring Reva <keyword id="46640" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-car">Electric Car</keyword> Company in 2011. But it’s only now that the country’s largest carmaker looking to throw in its hat into the ring. <keyword id="44883" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> is <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/auto/exclusive-electric-maruti-suzuki-wagon-r-spotted-testing-ahead-of-launch-next-year-1996651.html">reportedly</a> testing the electric version of the good ol’ Wagon R on the Indian roads, although the car will be officially launched in 2020. The launch of Maruti’s electric car will be significant because of the scale that the company brings to the table. Maruti Suzuki saw a domestic sale of 1.3 million until December, 2018 and has over 2000 sales outlets spread across the length and breadth of the country. The brand, with a history of over 37 years in India, has proved that it still has resonance amongst millions of Indians despite the entry of fancy foreign peers. “They might not have the first mover advantage, but the expertise they have is unmatched. Not just distribution, they have a great hold over their brand loyalty and customer development channels, which is also their USP,” said Pranav Jain, an automobile consultant. The pioneer in the segment has been Mahindra &amp; Mahindra with cars like e20, eVerito and eSupro already being commercially sold, while other rivals like Tata finding a foothold in the market with cars like Tata Tigor EV. However, access to these vehicles, recharging stations, and service centres after purchase are crucial factors in the consumers’ decision to purchase. Maruti is a better pick based on these factors than other players because of its existing network in the country. However, the company has taken its time to join the race. Osamu Suzuki, Chairman, Suzuki Motor corporation, during his visit to India for the <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/business/global-mobility-summit-suzuki-motor-corp-to-start-road-test-of-electric-vehicles-next-month-says-chairman-5136281.html">Global Mobility Summit</a> in September had announced that the company will launch 50 EV prototype vehicles in India. The idea behind the testing is to develop safe and easy-to-use EVs for the Indian roads. The Indian Electric Vehicle market saw a growth of 124 per cent with 56,000 units sold in fiscal year 2017-18, but they hold a <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/1x96WeyG6cCVnm5zPcUraK/Govt-proposes-incentives-to-boost-EVsalesin5-years.html">mere 1% </a>of total vehicles sold in India. However, the major share was held by electric two-wheelers with 54,800 units sold reportedly. The sales of electric cars took a mere 1200 units, according to a report done by <a href="https://auto.ndtv.com/news/electric-car-sales-in-india-fall-in-fy18-electric-two-wheelers-record-healthy-growth-1934323">the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles. </a> Currently, the electric vehicles market in India faces a massive infrastructural problem due to the lack of charging stations (albeit they are slowly coming up in major cities like Bengaluru and Delhi). The government’s delay in bringing about an EV policy too has the industry in a fix. While the entry of big players will give the right impetus to a new generation of cars, the industry will also need a proactive solution from the centre. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/central-govt-has-set-up-a-panel-to-monitor-indigenous-electric-vehicles/articleshow/53595564.cms">Central govt has set up a panel to monitor indigenous electric vehicles</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/electric-two-wheelers-might-cost-us-less-in-the-near-future/articleshow/53189329.cms">Electric two-wheelers might cost us less in the near future</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/elon-musk-plans-on-tesla-motors-having-partial-presence-in-india-by-2019/articleshow/66508511.cms">Elon Musk plans on Tesla Motors having ‘partial presence’ in India by 2019</a>

Can latecomer Maruti Suzuki rev up electric car sales in India?

New Delhi, May 26 () Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Tuesday said it has introduced comprehensive safety norms at its pre-owned True Value outlets across the country to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. The company's True Value network comprises 570 outlets in 280 towns and cities in India. The guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensure maximum hygiene, sanitisation and safety for customers, MSI said in a statement. The SOPs have been implemented in line with government advisories on COVID- 19, it added. "Customer safety is our top priority. From showroom walk-in to delivery of car, we are fully committed to offer a safe and hygienic experience to our customers," MSI Managing Director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa said. The company has put in place steps to ensure safety, hygiene and sanitation of all customer touchpoints, he added. Over 400 True Value outlets are presently operational in accordance with local government rules and guidelines, MSI said. The remaining showrooms would open in due course if they are not in containment zones or if not specifically restricted by any local guidelines, it added. MSS ANS ANS

Maruti introduces comprehensive safety norms at True Value outlets

Homegrown consumer electronics startup <keyword id="6359801" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seven" source="Orion">Seven</keyword> on Wednesday launched an innovative smart wearable ring – called '<keyword id="19159765" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="7-Ring" source="Orion">7 Ring</keyword>' for contactless payment. The ring has been crafted using premium Zirconia Ceramic material that gives it a premium look and makes it durable. The 7 Ring comes in seven different sizes, providing a comfortable and customised fit for all users. With its seamless and hassle-free payment technology, users can effortlessly make transactions, from their morning coffee to their evening cocktail, with a simple tap, the company said. "With its chic design, durability, and convenient payment capabilities, 7 Ring is the perfect blend of style and technology, catering to the needs of modern consumers," <keyword id="19430234" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="vijay-khubchandani" source="Orion">Vijay Khubchandani</keyword>, Founder &amp; CEO of Seven, said in a statement. According to the company, the ring's contactless payment feature enables users to make secure payments without the need for a wallet, phone, app, pin, or OTP, revolutionising the way transactions are made. The ring is engineered with the latest NFC technology, ensuring a seamless and reliable connection without the need for Bluetooth. Its dustproof and waterproof features make it suitable for everyday wear, enabling users to embrace an active lifestyle without compromising on style or functionality. In addition, its scratch resistance ensures long-lasting beauty and functionality, making it an ideal accessory for daily wear. Managed by an easy-to-use app, users can enjoy a safe and smooth transaction experience, empowering them to embrace a more convenient and secure payment lifestyle. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/six-out-of-the-top-ten-most-selling-cars-in-india-in-october-are-from-maruti-suzuki/slidelist/105063023.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/six-out-of-the-top-ten-most-selling-cars-in-india-in-october-are-from-maruti-suzuki/slidelist/105063023.cms" target="_blank">Six out of the top ten most selling cars in India in October are from Maruti Suzuki</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/double-centuries-in-odis-maxwells-power-packed-200-to-rohit-sharmas-three-double-tons/slidelist/105060032.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/double-centuries-in-odis-maxwells-power-packed-200-to-rohit-sharmas-three-double-tons/slidelist/105060032.cms" target="_blank">Double centuries in ODIs – Maxwell’s power-packed 200 to Rohit Sharma’s three double tons</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/the-average-selling-price-of-smartphones-increased-in-a-flat-market/articleshow/105033814.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/the-average-selling-price-of-smartphones-increased-in-a-flat-market/articleshow/105033814.cms" target="_blank">The average selling price of Indian smartphones has increased despite a flat market</a>

Now, a '7 Ring' for contactless payment – Here's how it will work

Tech giant <keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> has confirmed that it is planning to merge its two disparate video calling apps, <keyword id="6452553" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="duo" source="Orion">Duo</keyword> and <keyword id="6357996" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="meet" source="Orion">Meet</keyword>, into a single platform. The company said that it has made deep investments in both <keyword id="3368979" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="google-duo" source="Orion">Google Duo</keyword> and <keyword id="4237083" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="google-meet" source="Orion">Google Meet</keyword> to support users who rely on our technology for video calls and meetings. "In the coming weeks, we are adding all the Google Meet features to the Duo app, so users can easily schedule a video meeting at a time that works for everyone or continue using video calling to instantly connect with a person or group," the company said in a statement. "Later this year, we will rename the Duo app to Google Meet, our single video communications service across Google that is available to everyone at no-cost," it added. This integrated experience will provide users with a single solution service for both video calling and meetings with people across their lives. The company mentioned that it has also introduced new features like group calls for up to 32 people, the addition of doodles, and video calling on tablets, foldables, smart devices, and TVs for those using Duo as their cross-platform video calling app service. The company said it has made quality and reliability improvements as well as introduced new moderation controls to help keep meetings safe and productive. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/rakesh-jhunjhunwalas-delta-corp-stock-lost-more-than-a-third-of-its-value-in-two-months/articleshow/91957129.cms">Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s gamble on this stock is proving to be a bust after it slips 20% in a month</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-may-2022-maruti-tata-and-hyundai-cars-in-top-10/slidelist/91956448.cms">6 out of 10 top selling cars in India in May 2022 are from Maruti Suzuki</a>

Tech giant Google to merge Duo and Meet into one platform

Last year, transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that road accidents are “more serious than the COVID-19 pandemic," and this is corroborated by the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau. Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021, says a recent report by the NCRB. So, every day 425 people lose their lives on Indian roads and the recent high-profile death of former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry has put the spotlight yet again on <keyword id="87280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-safety" source="Orion">road safety</keyword>. <div type="image" title="Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021: NCRB" msid="94084328" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Over 1.55 lakh lives were lost in road crashes across India just in 2021: NCRB&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The report said that during 2021, two-wheelers have contributed 44.5% of total road accidental deaths (69,240 deaths), followed by cars at 15.1% with 23,531 deaths and trucks or lorries had a 9.4% contribution (14,622 deaths). <div type="image" title="Road accident fatalities have gone up since 2020" msid="94084331" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Road accident fatalities have gone up since 2020&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The report also highlighted that overspeeding remains the biggest cause of road accidents—contributing to 56% of the total road crash deaths (87,050 deaths), followed by dangerous or careless driving, contributing to 27.5% of total crash deaths (42,853 deaths). Most of these road accidents in India have happened on national highways. India accounts for about 2% of motor vehicles globally. Yet, it is the <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/india-accounts-for-11-per-cent-of-global-death-in-road-accidents-world-bank/article33834556.ece">home </a>to more than 11% of the world’s road traffic deaths. According to a <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/it-s-time-to-put-an-end-to-india-s-road-safety-crisis/story-FrTmaEoqfKC1EnoryY4nxN.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20United%20Nations,rate%20of%2043%20a%20day.">UN study</a>, India loses 3% of its GDP to road accidents by removing prime-age adults from the workforce. Despite the high number of fatalities, in India, people wearing seat belts is a rare sight. While rear seat belts have been mandatory under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, most kaali peeli taxis don’t even have seat belts for passengers. <div type="image" title="Most kaali peeli taxis don’t even have seat belts for passengers" msid="94084343" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Most kaali peeli taxis don&amp;#8217;t even have seat belts for passengers&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Rear seat belts prevent fatality According to the World Health Organisation, the use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%. <div type="image" title="Use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%: NCRB" msid="94084418" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Use of rear seat belts can prevent fatality by 25% and injuries by 75%: NCRB&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Reports suggest that Mistry was seated in the back and was not wearing a seatbelt. Now, after Mistry’s demise has sent shockwaves across the country, Gadkari said that even chief ministers don’t follow safety rules. Some ministers even use a clip so that the alarm does not make any sound, said Gadkari, when there is no belt. After the incident, Gadkari also said that the ministry is now working towards making six airbags compulsory in all cars. It was not too long ago, just in February 2022 that the Indian <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/auto/cars/govt-makes-three-point-seat-belts-mandatory-for-all-front-facing-passengers-in-car/articleshow/89501540.cms">government </a>had also made it mandatory for automakers to provide three-point seat belts for all front-facing passengers in a car, which is also applicable for the middle seat in the rear row of a car. It is also stated in the rules Motor Vehicles Act 138(3) that fastening seat belts is compulsory for passengers sitting in the front as well as the rear seats. However, India fails to follow the law of its land. As per a 2019 report by SaveLIFE Foundation, less than 1% of people in India use rear seat belts. 37.8% of all the people surveyed didn’t even know that any such legal compulsion existed. While 23.9% of people didn’t even know that rear seat belts existed. The centre has also made it compulsory for all cars to have six airbags across from October 1. After losing his ‘good friend,’ minister Gadkari said that all cars exported out of India have 6 airbags and asked then why Indian cars have only four airbags. What India can learn from other countries In 1997, Sweden adopted a ‘Vision Zero’ policy based on the idea that “no loss of life was acceptable.” The policy did not focus on changing human behaviour, the emphasis was on designing a better system of roads and other infrastructure, vehicle technology and enforcement. On the other hand, Singapore uses advanced warning lights that alert drivers about the upcoming signal and vehicle speed. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2020/08/27/frightening-consequences-for-drink-drivers-in-japan/">Japan </a>also has a strict policy for drunken drivers. It has a zero percent blood-alcohol level standard for drivers and individuals caught driving under the influence can face imprisonment for up to 15 years. In Switzerland, passengers travelling in the same car as a drunk driver are also considered liable and can lose their own licenses. Apart from strictly enforcing speed limits and other road regulations, Norway has found a unique approach to reduce its fatalities. It has made it mandatory for drivers to always have their headlights on while driving. Safety measures taken by automakers From installing airbags and adding stringent seatbelt alarms to running awareness campaigns, automakers have been trying to up safety for India’s car passengers. Maruti, Hyundai and Tata Motors offer six airbags across some models. Luxury car companies like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volvo are also offering six airbags and the number increases on the higher-end models. Safety rules you must follow To stay safe, one must <a href="https://highwaypolice.maharashtra.gov.in/en/road-safety-guideline/#:~:text=Always%20obey%20Road%20safety%20rules,as%20markets%20and%20residential%20areas.">obey </a><keyword id="1501776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-safety-rules" source="Orion">road safety rules</keyword> and regulations of India. <ul><li>Look for the traffic signs before you cross signals. </li><li>Drive within the speed limits prescribed. Ideally one should drive at approximately not more than 30 kmph near busy places such as markets and residential areas.</li><li>Keep vehicle oiled and serviced. A sudden breakdown of the vehicle on the road can cause hardships not only to you but also to fellow drivers and traffic personnel. </li><li>Stop or slow down your vehicle and allow the pedestrians to crossroads at unmanned/signalled Zebra crossings.</li><li>Always wear seat belts while driving four-wheelers.</li><li>Avoid rash or negligent driving.</li><li>Do not drink and drive.</li><li>Avoid using mobile phones while driving. In case of an urgent call, park the vehicle to the side of the road and put the brake lights on, and allow other motorists to pass by. </li><li>Turn the brake lights ON before stopping so that the vehicles behind can avoid a collision.</li></ul>Here's a small video <div type="image" title="All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety" msid="94084511" hostid="261" sizebytes="1771684" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Before we let you go, here's what we want you to know- Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions, a 6-part video series chronicling Indian SaaS scions - SaaS leaders who have come to define this sector in India. And now for the world. <div type="image" title="Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions" msid="94084538" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Business Insider India brings you SaaS Scions&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety

(Eds: Adds details) New Delhi, May 1 () India's top carmakers, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, on Friday reported zero monthly domestic sales for the first time ever in April after the nationwide lockdown halted output and shut sales network. Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (M&amp;M), Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and MG Motor India reported nil sales as they suspended operations even before the imposition of lockdown on March 25 to check the spread of coronavirus. Maruti Suzuki, which produces more than half of the cars running on Indian roads, said it did not sell any vehicle in the domestic market in April. It, however, exported 632 vehicles after Mundra port in Gujarat resumed operations, MSI said in a statement. Similarly, HMIL said it did not sell any vehicle last month in the domestic market due to suspension of manufacturing activities at its Chennai plant. The company, however, exported 1,341 units last month. The overseas dispatches took place by adhering to all guidelines set by the government and export regulating authorities while ensuring adequate safety and protection for everyone, it added. Homegrown automaker M&amp;M also reported zero sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in the domestic market. It, however, dispatched 733 vehicles to overseas markets during the last month. "We are hopeful that our dealerships will open soon and have stocks to cover the first few weeks of sale," M&amp;M Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Division Veejay Nakra said. Similarly, TKM said the re-start of the entire value chain cycle and its restoration will be gradual as the industry is faced with varied challenges like low consumer sentiments, rebuilding of disrupted supply chains and return of workforce. "As with many other sectors, with the closure of dealerships and manufacturing, the operation of the automotive value chain has come to a grinding halt," TKM Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Naveen Soni said in a statement. These are critical times and the company was aware that there would be no wholesales in the month of April 2020, he added. "As we prepare for a restart, we are working closely with our dealer partners to offer them the best support to re-stimulate demand in a safe and healthy atmosphere," Soni said. MG Motor India said it has resumed operations at its Halol facility in the last week of April and now hopes that the production will ramp up in the month of May. In two-wheeler segment, niche bike maker Royal Enfield said it had zero sales in the domestic market but exported a total of 91 units last month. MSS ANUMR

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SIMPLY PUT: All you need to know about India’s rules for road safety

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