Kishindas Gobindram (KG) was started in 1970, in Broadway, Chennai, as a distributor of automotive spare parts. KG specialised in selling leading brands of those days which were sourced from automobile majors within the country and without.
In an exclusive interview to Mr. R. Natarajan, Managing Editor, MOTORINDIA, Mr. Rajesh L. Nichani, Partner, Kishindas Gobindram, son of the late Lalchand, goes back to the initial days of their family business which was to sell commodities such as condiments and spices, importing, trading and finance. Mr. Rajesh also highlighted the contribution made by the founding partners, Lalchand, Mr. Gopal and the late Dhaulat, who were responsible for the status KG has attained today.
“Honesty, integrity and reputation are the three golden mantras one has to follow in doing business”, says Rajesh. KG is known for its product quality and reliability and has long-lasting relationship with its principals like Federal Mogul, Gabriel India, Kusalava International, Mahle Filter Systems, GKN Driveline, Victor Gaskets, Perfect Alloy Components, Rohan Associates, Kross International, Shriram Pistons & Rings and NEI, with its major focus on engine components. The distributor has won many awards and recognitions from its principals for its excellent sales techniques and overall performance.
KG, which started as a single branch with a single product, has today grown to such an extent as to open multiple branches in Salem, Madurai and Coimbatore, dealing with more than 15 products catering to its customers across Tamil Nadu.
“At KG our understanding of the product is better than others. We guide the customer with product specifications before they go for it, in order to avoid product damage or wastage. We have 400 to 500 varied customers in the form of dealers, institutions and service stations”, says Mr. Rajesh.
KG now operates from its outlet on G.P. Road, Chennai, to serve its customers better.
Talking about the aftermarket business, Mr. Rajesh says since India is becoming a major hub for the automobile world, the market dynamics are changing with leading international auto manufacturers entering the country with their vehicles and brands, resulting in stiff competition all around. The manufacturers need to understand the present economic situation and its impact on distributors.