There is no harm in thinking small: Pooja Nagdev
be the better bet in the rapidly changing market dynamics.
HONDA BR-V
The seven-seater BR-V was launched as a cross version of Honda Mobilio and met with instant success in the Indian car market when it came in 2016. It was an affordable MPV with great looks, was loaded with features and came from a reputed brand and that made it quite popular with the customers. The car had Petrol and Diesel engine options along with a CVT variant and that only helped its fortunes. Too bad Honda decided it didn’t deserve a BS upgrade.
RENAULT LODGY
This Renault Lodgy MPV also showed a lot of promise when it was launched five years ago. It was an affordable seven-seater that just about had the features expected in the segment. It also came with a frugal and fuel-efficient diesel engine. The frequent comparisons with the Toyota Innova though didn’t help as the car just wasn’t in the same league. With Renault deciding against making their Diesel engine BS6 compatible, the Lodgy story unfortunately saw an uneventful end.
TATA ZEST
Launched way back in 2014, the Zest compact sedan from Tata Motors was one of the first cars to come with company’s new Impact design philosophy. But the going was tough right from the start as this -- with cars like Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Xcent -- certainly was one of the toughest segments to be in. A few years later came the more advanced Tigor that looked better and had more features. And it was Tigor that was chosen by Tata Motors for a BS6 upgrade.
VOLKSWAGEN AMEO
Another late entrant to the competitive sub-compact sedan was the Volkswagen Ameo. It had some lovely engines and a fantastic gearbox which the enthusiasts still swear by, but the car could just not set the cash registers ringing for Volkswagen. It was also priced slightly on the higher side and some well performing rivals meant the Ameo just could not take off.
TOYOTA ETIOS/LIVA
The sale numbers the Toyota Etios sedan or the Liva hatchback garnered were consistent but never to Toyota’s liking. These were the most affordable cars from the brand in India, yet were never able to see runaway success. For one they were overpriced for what they offered in terms of quality. And then the Etios became popular in the taxi segment which pulled personal car buyers further away from it. A facelift was attempted and even that couldn’t pull consumers towards it in big numbers.
founder of Inatur, is a young and successful aromatherapy and cosmetologist. In conversation with G20, she shares her journey as well as mantra for success.
Q. Please share your journey with us. What does this unusual name ‘Inatur’ mean?
A. It’s been a long journey. We started Inatur in 2007. I, interestingly, did my Masters in finance. Hence, it seems like destiny for me to come into this line of business. I am a spiritual person who believes in karma. Natural Ayurveda has been a part of our culture forever. People are now becoming more aware about it. I did a course in the UK with my husband in the export of incense sticks. This enabled me to conceptualise this business. As I travel a lot, I make sure I understand the organic and natural products available in those areas. I also got onboard a cosmetologist and an Ayurvedic doctor for two years to focus on research and development. We launched initially with face cream, sun blocks and shower gels. As for the name Inatur, it actually derives from the Spanish term ‘natur’ which means nature. And ‘I’ stand for innovation.
Q. What are the most appealing and desired consumer trends of 2020?
A. These days people are more focused on cleanliness. I feel there is going to be a need to feel calm, less anxious, deep cleansed inside and outside. So, essential oils are going to play a huge role. Natural surfactants will be huge in cleansing. Natural make-up for men and women is becoming very popular, as both sexes get more look-conscious, especially men. Natural hair dyes too would be in demand. So, for me, the word natural would be the buzzword in 2020 and after.