We will have a Service Center in North Goa in 3 months

TG: How has the auto market in Goa evolved over the years?

LM: Of late, the auto market has not shown appreciable growth, perhaps, due to the stoppage of mining activity. Moreover, the customer has a varied choice and hence, the auto sector is a difficult business to be in. But in the next five years, it has to grow. Goa will witness a gradual growth as the two-wheeler users will graduate to four-wheelers.

TG: What is the market share of AM Ventures?

LM: Last year, it was 2.5 percent.

TG: How has been the market response to DatsunGO and GO+ which were launched in the preceding years?

LM: GO+ is a value for money proposition and is pegged at Rs 5 lakh (on road). It is a seven-seater vehicle. Earlier, Nissan had a component of 70 percent and Datsun 30 percent which has now been brought on par, with both Nissan and Datsun at 50-50. The GO is a 1.2 litre vehicle and priced at Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Taxi drivers in Goa have especially opted for this vehicle. We have managed to sell six of these vehicles last month.

TG: With tough competition in this segment in which the redi-GO has been placed, how do you propose to take on rival four-wheelers in this segment?

LM: I expect redi-GO to be up there with its competitors. Nissan does not compromise on its after-sales service. We propose to open a service point in North Goa, somewhere in Colvale or Mapusa within the next three months.

TG: Has any sales target been set by the company for redi-GO ?

LM: Yes, it is 400 vehicles annually.

TG: How do you foresee the future of the four-wheeler industry in Goa?

LM: Competition is bound to grow. It is not safe to ride a two-wheeler in Goa anymore. Of the 2000 Nissan-Datsun cars which we have sold so far over the past five years, there are no fatal injuries in road accidents to anyone. The USP of these cars is its safety measures.

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Photo caption: Lara Menezes and Thomas Menezes, partners of AM ventures at Datsun redi-GO launch at AM Ventures, Verna