Established in 1947, Infinity Ventures is a Jharsuguda-based company that started its operations in the FMCG sector but later entered the automobile sector in 2015. It is a premium Hyundai car dealership that takes pride in its customer-centric approach and top-of-the-line servicing. The man behind this successful venture is Pawan Kumar Sultania, Managing Director, who is also the Odisha Chairman for the Federation of Trade & Industry. In an exclusive interaction, Sultania shares his entrepreneurial experience.
Can you brief us about your early life and your entry into the automobile industry?
Our firm was incorporated in 1947, and we began our journey as the first channel partner for western Odisha. Initially, we operated in the FMCG sector, partnering with leading companies like ITC Limited and Nestlé India Limited. In 2011, my son joined the business after completing his master’s degree. He wanted to diversify into other sectors, and the automobile industry was always in the back of his mind. We applied to Hyundai Motor India Limited, and fortunately, we were selected. We officially started our operations in the automobile industry in 2015.
The car market in India is on a roll. Are you also witnessing the surge in sales in the Odisha market?
The car industry in Odisha is in moderate growth, but there has been a shift in customer demand from hatchbacks to SUVs. People are increasingly adopting SUVs, and buying preferences have changed, especially after COVID-19. People are now choosing electric vehicles, cars with ADAS safety feature, infotainment options and more vibrant colours.
Being a prominent dealer in-state, what are the leading challenges that you think the industry is facing?
The automobile industry is in dire need of skilled manpower as the number of dealerships has grown quite evidently in the last couple of years. More manpower needs to be infused and trained.
What role do you believe electric vehicles play in sustainable mobility?
The electric vehicle adaptation is still in its nascent stage. Challenges such as charging infrastructure and range anxiety persist, but it is definitely a very good alternative to fossil fuels. Now, the products have long range, which can run up to 473 kms on a single charge. Also, the manufacturers are giving good warranty of 8 years or 1.6 lakh kms (whichever is earlier). This poses a good confidence in buyers’ decision.
How important is customer satisfaction in this line of business?
Customer satisfaction is top priority in our line of business. If our customers are satisfied, we get good referrals for both sales and services. It also helps us to retain customers within our same brand.
As a successful entrepreneur, do you have any ad[1]vice for the new entrants?
Firstly, the coming generation needs to have customer centricity at the core of their organisations’ heart. Secondly, employees play the most important role in customer satisfaction; so hire skilled employees, provide good training and keep them happy. Also be adaptive to changes in external world and update your team continuously as per the changing customer expectations and environment.
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