Gurgaon-based electric two-wheeler OEM Okinawa Autotech has announced plans to expand its dealer network from the current 350-plus to over 500 by end-FY2021. The company also plans to target sub-dealers apart from the primary dealers while expanding its footprints.
Okinawa says while Covid-19 has forced a slowdown across the industries, it is planning to accelerate marketing activities and strengthen its dealership network. The OEM says it has also announced a hike in dealership margins from 8 to 11 percent, to support the partners amidst the unprecedented Covid-19 spread.
As part of its expansion plan the company is primarily targeting cities in the states of Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam and eastern region.
Jeetender Sharma, MD and founder, Okinawa: “There is no doubt that it will take a little time for the market to pick up. While the things gradually return to normalcy, we plan to grow ourselves across the country to serve the customers better. As the Covid-19 curve flatens, there will be a demand for private vehicles. Given the fact that electric vehicles are economically more viable in the longer run, people would want to opt for it. We are spreading our wings to provide our customers across the cities with easy availability of the products and services.”
Okinawa says its dealership network have been operating with limited staff and in accordance with the advisory issued by the brand. With about 30 percent of the dealerships operational, the brand delivered over 1,000 vehicles within a span of 30 days post the company resumed their services abiding the government rules. The aggressive expansion plan of the company follows the rising demand of electric vehicles among customers.
To attract dealers, Okinawa says it has simplified the application process and has taken the entire procedure online to maintain safety procedures. Simultaneously, it is adopting digital marketing to spread the word among the dealers.
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