Methods Automotive eyes 20 percent growth, to expand retail business

New Delhi, February 9, 2013: Bangalore-based Methods Automotive, which is a distributor of K&N air filters (of the US) and German car care brand Sonax in India, is eyeing a growth of 15 to 20 percent year-on-year for the financial year ending March 2013.

According to P Kumar, director, Methods Automotive, both the foreign brands roughly contribute to the tune of 30 percent each to the annual turnover of the company, which stood at US$ 5 million during FY 2011-12. The company has been associated with the German brand for nearly 10 years while it has been selling K&N air filters in India since the past 8 years.

Talking to Autocar Professional about the air filters, Kumar says “unlike the regular air filters which use paper, the K&N units use cotton as the material offers better resistance to dirt and allows improved intake of air. We offer pre-oiled air filters and also the dry units along with the oil. Offering superior retention capabilities, the oil attracts the dust and helps the engine breathe easy, making them the best air filters in the world. We offer a million kilometres warranty and hence practically, one does not need to replace them.”

Kevin S Floody, international business manager, K&N Engineering, Inc explained that “80 percent of our business comes from the US and 20 percent from the rest of the world currently. I plan to reverse the situation. For us, the key countries are China and India while Australia, Brazil, Russia and Middle East too offer smooth business opportunities. The demand slowdown affecting the growing economies does bother us in the form of redoing our market approach and pricing strategies especially for the Indian market to maximise sales.” The company sells around 30,000 units of the premium air filters per year in India and has 500 retail points.

Floody also revealed that the company has recently developed air filters for the commercial vehicle segment and is now beginning to sell them in the US markets. He also disclosed that he looks forward to get the CV air filters to India in the near future.

AMIT PANDAY

Photograph: P Kumar, director, Methods Automotive & Kevin S Floody, International Business Manager, K&N Engineering.