Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Germany’s Daimler Truck AG, has increased its spare-parts sales by two to three times by implementing an AI-based solution. The solution, called Vruddhi, works by continuously analysing the truck population, assess retention rates, and calculate demand based on vehicle usage patterns.
Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, told Autocar Professional that this improvement in forecasting accuracy is yielding substantial benefits for the company’s aftermarket business, including a 20% boost in the company’s ability to provide timely parts deliveries.
Vruddhi’s predictive capabilities stem from its ability to continuously analyze the truck population, assess retention rates, and calculate demand based on vehicle usage patterns. By accounting for business seasonality, the system offers precise demand forecasts, which enable DICV to manage inventory more effectively and capitalize on upsell opportunities. "It also offers us upsell opportunities. It helps us to find which customers are not coming to workshops on time. So that we can approach them and therefore, increase the demand for our parts." Arya explained.
Arya highlighted that customer retention after the warranty period is around 80%, a stark contrast to the commercial vehicle industry average of 30%. Retention in the CV sector measures the proportion of customers who continue to use the manufacturer’s services after their initial warranty expires.
The earlier statistical technique analyzes historical data, weighting recent data more heavily to produce more accurate predictions. However, the adaptability of AI-driven models like Vruddhi provides a more dynamic approach, enhancing the precision of forecasts and streamlining aftermarket operations.
Daimler’s investment in AI-driven forecasting reflects a broader industry trend towards leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiencies and better serve customers in a highly competitive market.