DSL is well geared up for challenges
Hashan Travis Haputhanthri, joined DSL as its General Manager, Marketing. He is a seasoned campaigner in Brand Marketing, strategic and tactical planning. He has gained ample experience with Coca Cola, Call Link, JL Morrison, Maliban Biscuits , before moving to the Pacific region to CJ Patel and Co.ltd. He rejoined Maliban Biscuits before moving to DSL where he hopes to execute his experience and intelligence in the field of marketing to face the challenges in the automobile industry. What is your view with regards to the Global fixture and local transport industry.
Changes in the Global economic forces do affect in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Rising crude oil prices changes the stability of the fuel prices. Any government has to face this and as people of this nation we have to plan our expenditure properly. Futuristic costing, starting from the household and then to an organization needs to be worked out. Journey planning is an option for the current fuel scenario. As an example, you can pool travelling during the week or week end. Shutting off AC , while driving and certainly use fuel efficient genuine spare parts for your engine and of course use tyres that helps saves fuel and the environment. . What sort of difference did you see on DSL'S Champiro Eco tyre, which is apparently the 1st ever green tyre that was launched to Sri Lanka?
Yes, GT Radial Champiro Eco is the Sri Lanka's fastest selling green tyre. It has gained number 01 position in the imported eco-friendly tyre category. Since we are the pioneers in green tyres and GT Radial Champiro Eco is made out of Nanotec Silica technology it has become a true champion on the road.
People knew about it but many of them were not aware of the benefits of this product. From my experience I feel the Champiro Eco tyre arrived at the right time to Sri Lanka. What I mean is that, the product was launched on the same day that the Southern Express Highway was opened for public. Sri Lanka is very lucky to have GT Radial Champiro Eco since the upcoming highway network I feel that this is a winner. We have a strong sales force and they put their total effort which is brilliant and we managed to sell all tyres within a short term. I must thank to our hard working dealer network. Though they sell other brands, they made this brand a winner. What are the critical factors, from the view of a consumer when buying a tyre ?
If you buy a tyre, it has printed messages on it. The basics of a tyre is the weight, the make, the brand, the origin and how it is made. Most importently who imports and who distributes. A tyre is not just a tyre
anymore. It's high time that the consumers think that their entire life depend on these four tyres. Overall the consumer should be more aware of what they buy. We at DSL provide all the know-how to our consumers. What is your view on the competition in this sector? Competition must prevail for a business to be successful. But it has to be practical and ethical. A competitor must have its own way of
maneuvering brands and not copy-
QQing others in the field. Sometimes we are tending to face extensive challenges which DSL is well geared up to take. What is your perspective with regards to DSL? DSL stands for Trust, Quality, Innovation and Leadership. Through that perspective, we have three different entities in the management triangle. That is Tyres (GT Radials) , Batteries (Global and Inco) and world class range of spare parts (NGK, Tokiko, Mitsubishi, 555 and etc).dsl leads the way in all these imported categories. You told media with regards to a dual solution from DSL? Yes. It is the GT Radial Champiro eco and NGK spark plugs. Like I mentioned earlier GT Radial Champiro Eco helps you to save fuel. Since it is a green tyre and its green technology , lead the way to benefit you. NGK spark pugs, the G-POWER and the IRIDIUM spark plugs are the best in the category that helps you to save fuel. As a member of the "Team DSL" we are the 1st organization to come out with a dual solution for the ongoing fuel scenario in the country. I believe we are helping nationally and to the economy with our brands.
What is your vision?
My vision is - DSL vision. "We lead the way..". DSL is an organization that has professionals and industry experts to deliver consumer satisfaction. Employees are proud to work for such an organization which is lead by an industry icon and visionary Mr.saroj Perera, our Chairman and MD. Having a dedicated and highly motivated sales force and a dealer network ,the team DSL will lead all the way through. Your message to the consumer..? Very simple. "Buy the best , not the rest". What sort of market share does NGK hold in Sri Lanka?
A. In Sri Lanka, according to a recent analysis, NGK holds above 80% of the market share. When we started about seven years ago the competition was very less but today with so many secondrate, cheap products available in the market, it's very impressive on where NGK stands in the local market. You spoke high of NGK and indicated that it helps to save fuel?
A. Yes. NGK has many features in its two electrodes. The G-power like in any other spark plugs the outer is the same metal but the difference is its shape. It has a unique triangular shape and its inside is made out of hard platinum which is an expensive metal. Its electrode tip is very strong. Unlike other spark plugs, the G- Power has the power to absorb the heat generated and it helps a full burn and more power of thrust.
The NGK G- Power gets the same power but with a lower number of molecules of flame. The other advantage of this new NGK plug is, it generates carbon dioxide instead of carbon monoxide which is very poisonous and not so environ
ment How do the consumers of DSL react on NGK products?
Through the past seven years the customers have responded very positively. When we talk about the quality of the NGK products, they are dependable and durable. In addition we have received overwhelming responds from our consumers about the availability of these products
through our strong network islandwide. We have every kind of spark plugs according to the consumers' requirement and this is one aspect that we have been able to maintain through the years. Your advice to consumers on how to select the perfect spark plug?
Everyone is concerned about the value for money as well as what we can give back to our society and environment in return by using our products. We at DSL ensure that we provide our consumers with genuine products. We are committed to maintain our standards whilst serving them as our key shareholders. Look for the DSL silver sticker on the spark plug outer cover. If it is not there… well you are buying the duplicate. Therefor, let me conclude, " Be real - think real - and buy DSL genuine brands and products"