SRM Group Chairman Ravi Pachamuthu says that the caravan market in India is in nascent stage and is expected to grow hugely in the next few years.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
City-based SRMPR Auto Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., a part of SRM group, is aiming to become a market leader in the caravan/camper space in the next few years, said a top executive.
“We forayed into caravan manufacturing business in 2013. But, the business venture started to take off only post COVID. Since then, there is no turning back,” said Group chairman Ravi Pachamuthu told The Hindu.
“Caravan business in India is still in nascent stage. India market is valued at ₹100 crore, of this we hold 40% market share nationwide and 80% in Tamil Nadu. It is growing by 20% YoY,” he said.
According to him, there are only four major players in the organised sector. The market between organised and unorganised sector is in the ratio of 80:20. Tamil Nadu has more than 1,000 caravans.
SRMPR started this venture to make long distance travel smooth affair keeping utmost safety aspect in mind. Initially, the company imported caravans. But it did not suit Indian conditions.
Mr. Ravi said that they initially started manufacturing limited numbers of caravan for their personal use. Later, they started making it for third parties at affordable prices by using chassis procured from Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Force and Bharat Benz among others.
Caravans/campers were customised based on customers need and feedback. Interested customers were given a demo and it resulted in improved sales. Till date, the company has sold about 50 caravans.
Besides, caravan, the company also manufactures different types of school and luxury buses, vanity vans, mobile medical unit, election campaign vans, tempo traveller conversion and motorhomes among others for corporate houses, educational institutions and political leaders. It also undertakes repair and restoration services. Till date, the company has sold over 1,200 units.
“Our products adhere to international standards of quality and performance. We ensure that high grade steel is used in the manufacturing process such that the Caravan/Camper are resistant to damage by corrosion,” he said.
To a question, he said they will be ending CY2024 with 48 caravans and plans to manufacture about 100 caravans for CY2025.
Asserting that the caravans are mostly used for personal use, he said still some states including Tamil Nadu has to give permission for commercial use. He also urged automobile majors to support them to manufacture Caravans in big numbers.
Published – December 21, 2024 10:01 pm IST
