Search This Blog

Jan 4, 2008

7 Yamaha India MD, Mr. T. Ishikawa is moving back to Japan

Mt. T.Ishikawa, Yamaha India MD of two years is moving back to Japan just before the Auto Expo 2008..

I would have preferred the first post in the new season for "The Bike Chronicles of India" to start with a positive note.. but there is news that..

Yamaha India’s MD is leaving India after two years

This is what LiveMint.Com has recently reported:

"Yamaha Motor India Ltd announced on Thursday that its Managing Director Tomotaka Ishikawa is moving back to Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd in Japan to take up a new assignment effective 1 January.

The company did not give any details on his future responsibilities."

- LiveMint, 28 Dec 2007

Tomotaka Ishikawa

Mr. Tomotaka Ishikawa



So Yamaha India will get a new MD now.. what’s the big deal..??

Let me tell you that it “IS” a Big Deal..!! A Yamaha veteran of 30 years, Mr. Ishikawa wasn’t just another guy from Yamaha. Ishikawa is well known as a "Turn around Specialist" for Yamaha.

"I will turn it around,” he says “Watch me.” The determination shows.

Ishikawa stays by himself and says he has asked his wife and children to avoid visiting him."

- Mr. T Ishikawa for LiveMint, July 28 2007

Ishikawa had earned that reputation after he had successfully turned around Yamaha’s fortunes in South East Asian countries of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Similar to the current situation in India, Yamaha was languishing in these South East Asian Countries as well. It was Ishikawa who was instrumental in Yamaha’s resurgence in these countries. Under his leadership, Yamaha launched a slew of new products in these markets and implemented aggressive marketing strategies which finally manage to turn around Yamaha’s fortunes in these countries.



The same was expected from Ishikawa when he was appointed the MD of Yamaha India two years ago.

In fact LiveMint had carried an article on Mr. Ishikawa few months back which showed how determined, keen and serious Mr. Ishikawa was on turning around Yamaha India’s operations in India.





Just take at look at a few lines from that previous LiveMint article:

"I will turn it around,” he says “Watch me.” The determination shows.

Ishikawa stays by himself and says he has asked his wife and children to avoid visiting him.

He has told them he wants no distractions now and the only trip they should make to India is at the end of his tenure here."




What it means for Yamaha India..??

Honestly I don’t know what to make of this sudden end of tenure of Mr. Ishikawa. There has been no reason given for the abrupt end of his stint in India. What is more puzzling is that the announcement comes just a few weeks before the all important Auto Expo 2008.

It was Mr. Ishikawa who was instrumental in bringing down the big bikes/imports viz. the Yamaha R1 and Mt-01 in India. Even though Yamaha India sales have consistently been at the bottom for sometime now (See the Domestic sales figures of Motorcycles in 125 cc and above segment), there was hope that Mr. Ishikawa would do a turn around similar to what he did in the South East Asian countries for Yamaha.

Above 125 cc: Domestic Motorcycle Sales

Domestic Motorcycle Sales: 125 cc and above


Above 125 cc: Domestic Motorcycle Sales Graph

Note:

# Apart from Yamaha and Suzuki, the other bike makers also have models above 125 cc
# Suzuki India has only 125 cc models in it's motorcycle lineup
# Yamaha India has the "Gladiator" in its 125 cc product lineup. Doesn't have any model above 125 cc segment.


Source of Sales Figures: SIAM



What’s the Big deal if Mr. Ishikawa is gone..?? Somebody else will carry on with the job now

You cannot just throw in a few motorcycle models and hope that everything will fall into place magically.

"Leadership:

Steve Jobs (for Apple), Sir Richard Branson (for Virgin), Dhirubhai Ambani (for Reliance), Mr. Narayan Murthy (for Infosys), Ratan Tata (for Tata Motors), Mr. Rahul Bajaj (for Bajaj Auto)

As for any nation/country, the fortune of any company depends heavily on its leadership. It is the leader who is responsible for envisioning the future and chalking out a strategy for the country/nation. A leader must be able to inject enthusiasm in his country men/company employees and make them believe and work towards the direction/dream shown by him.

It goes without saying that not every one can do what the following personalities have managed to achieve: Steve Jobs (for Apple), Sir Richard Branson (for Virgin), Dhirubhai Ambani (for Reliance), Mr. Narayan Murthy (for Infosys), Ratan Tata (for Tata Motors) and Mr. Rahul Bajaj (for Bajaj Auto).

But at least I personally hoped that with Mr. Tomotaka Ishikawa would be able to do something similar for Yamaha India to what he did in South East Asian countries.


But since he has gone back...

So what can we expect from Yamaha India now..??

If a person like Ishikawa couldn't do it for Yamaha India, then honestly I do not have the slightest idea what to expect.









Related Posts:

  • Yamaha launches the R1 and MT-01 in India [R1 & MT-01 Wallpaper]


  • Yamaha plans to launch its 150 C.C by 2008


  • Yamaha "V-ixion".. is this the 150 C.C from Yamaha for India..??


  • Indians have Unadventurous taste.. Yamaha plans an "Automatic" Motorcycle


  • John Abraham and Yamaha part ways


  • What's ailing the Japanese in India..?? [Part I: Yamaha India]


  • Will the "Yamaha Fazer 250" and "Honda CBX 250 Twister" be ever launched in India..??


  • Yamaha India hangs on to Indian market despite losses






      • Disclaimer:

      This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.




      Jan 1, 2008

      Bike Reviews

      Test Ride/Reviews by the Author


      Bajaj Auto:

      Hero Honda



      Hero Honda Hunk [Nov, 2007]



      Hero Honda Splendor NXG [Jun, 2007]



      Hero Honda Achiever & CBZ Xtreme [Dec, 2006]

      Honda (HMSI)



      Honda CB Twister 110 [Mar, 2010]



      Honda Unicorn [Dec, 2006]


      Hyosung:

      Dec 31, 2007

      6 Happy New Year 2008..!!

      Wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year..!!

      Happy New Year 2008

      Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2008. Go ahead and have a blast..

      Just Remember.. "Never Ride if you plan to Drink"..!!

      See you all in 2008.




      Disclaimer:

      This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.




      Dec 29, 2007

      6 Lets rewind the "desi" biking year 2007

      A recollection of the events defining the "desi" biking year 2007..

      Indian Bike Manufacturer Logos

      As 2007 comes to an end, lets introspect and look back at how the "desi" biking scene evolved during this period.

      Lets put the bike manufacturers under the scanner one at a time.. and Chronicle the "desi" Biking Year 2007.







      Bajaj:





      Hero Honda:

      Three of my personal favourite posts published in The Bike chronicles of India in 2007 were:

      # Why hasn't Honda made a mark with its "Unicorn" in India..??

      # When will the Fuel Injected Hero Honda Karizma "Fi" arrive..??

      # The inspiring story behind the birth of the Bajaj Pulsar

        After the launch of the Fuel Injected 125 cc Glamour "Fi" launched in 2006, "desi" bikers were expecting at least a Fuel Injected Karizma to counter the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi (the launch of which was imminent). But to the disappointment of many, Hero Honda finally dished a Karizma with a new set of stickers, a plastic "belly pan" and the letter "R" emblazoned on the tank. There was never a doubt about the Karizma being a reliable and proven bike, but the Karzma-"R" which was a mere sticker job was a disappointment from Hero Honda.

        The "New Sticker" philosophy was carried over to the New (?) 150 cc Achiever as well. At least the Achiever now got a new set of Black Alloy Wheels which was previously missing.

        The year ended on a positive note for Hero Honda when it launched the New 150 cc Hunk, which is basically the 150 cc CBZ Xtreme but with completely new body work. So even if Hero Honda haven't managed to push the envelope further with the "Hunk", thankfully they have refrained from using another set of stickers this time.

        And yes, the new 100 cc Splendor NXG of course.. which was another variant of the 100 cc Splendor/Passion family albeit with new clothes.






      Honda Motorcycle & Scooters India Ltd.

        Pre 2007 Honda had the 150 cc Unicorn and the 125 cc Shine in its stables. 2007 is about to end and Honda now has the 2007 Unicorn and 2007 Shine in its showrooms. No engine upgrades, no new models. Just a new sets of black alloys and slight cosmetic changes.


        Oh yes, there was a GP Edition of the Unicorn..

        Yaawwnnn!!!!




      Royal Enfield




      Suzuki:




      TVS





      Yamaha




      Global Auto

        The Chinese finally made inroads in the Indian market in the form of a JV with an Indian Computer maker "Xentis". The new venture is called as Global Auto. The first offering from Global Auto came in the form of a 125 cc bike called the Xpression.

        By year-end Global Auto also showcased India's cheapest bike, called as Rock 100, it is a 100 cc bike with an ex-showroom price of just under 20,000 Rupees.


        Apart from Global Auto, there is yet another Chinese-Indonesian venture called "Mahabharat Motors waiting to start its operations in India.

        I don't think that so far there has been too much flutter or excitement in the Indian two wheeler market about these Chinese Bikes.






      Bajaj Vs. TVS






      Landmarks for "The Bike Chronicles of India:

      The Bike Chronicles of India completed its first anniversary in August 2007. It also manages to get a million page views in its first year of existence.

      I also finally get my Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi..!! And just before the year ended, I quit my I.T job and land up with a job related to the Auto Sector..!!




      Favourite Posts of 2007:


      Three of my personal favourite posts published in The Bike chronicles of India in 2007 were:




      Lets hope that "desi" Biking Year 2008 is more eventful and exciting than 2007.

      Amen.





      Disclaimer:

      This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.




      Dec 26, 2007

      27 "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" - Words that have shaped my life

      I leave Bangalore and land up in Gurgaon.. leave I.T/Software to join the Auto Sector..

      Update [2012.11.10]: A lot have changed since the day I made this blog entry. I left RPS to join a major Indian auto manufacturer, worked there for 4 years and have now moved on to pursue my newest foolish dream, i.e joining a new business venture.

      And yes, even that is related to motorcycles..!!

      Have learnt a lot during the last 5 years both professionally and also about myself. Am praying real hard that I can make a success of my latest "Foolish Dream".

      "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?

      And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row...

      I know I need to change something."

      - Steve Jobs, CEO Apple

      The above lines have been taken from a speech made by Steve Jobs at the 2005 Stanford University Commencement ceremony. When I first came across the above lines, I got goose bumps on my skin. Because it was then when I realized the reason why I have been so restless for my whole life.. Why I have been doing things which normally seemed to be waste of time to many people around me..

      "So why am I writing this post..??

      It is because I have quit my Software Job and got a new job which is related to the Auto Sector.."

      For example, instead of preparing for my exams during my Engg. days, I used to hang around with the Music Troop of my college playing drums. Instead of preparing for my placement during my second year of my MBA, I was more engrossed in a new venture called "The Bike Chronicles of India"..!!

      I guess many guys who have known me have labelled me a fool or a dreamer at some point.. I did not know the reason why I have been acting so unreasonably my whole life. But when I came across the above lines from a speech made by Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, my whole life flashed in front of my eyes.



      Here is another part from the same Steve Jobs speech..

      "You've got to find what you love.

      And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.

      And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

      And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."


      Steve Jobs at stanford University Commencement 2005.
      Watch the speech on youtube, Click Here..



      So here I was, sitting comfortably in an air conditioned environment, in front of a computer screen in Bangalore (I don't think I can ever call it "Bengaluru"). I was a software professional. Pay was decent, my boss was a nice guy and there was a prospect of being able to work in the U.S of A as an employee of the company. (The girl whom I replaced at the Bangalore office was sent to the West Coast of the U.S as an Account Manager..!!)

      What more could anyone ask for..?? Work in the U.S for a few years, save up enough dollars, come back to India, buy an apartment and yes, buy that Yamaha R1..!!


      So why am I witing this post..??

      It is because I have quit my Software Job and possibly blown my chances of making it to the U.S of A. Now now.. Didn't I tell you that a few guys have labelled me as a dreamy fool..??


      Why..?? You might ask.

      It is because even if I was in my Bangalore Office, I used to think about bikes and "The Bike Chronicles of India" all the time literally. I then knew that I needed a change very badly. There wasn't anything wrong with the company and the problem was probably entirely with me. But I wasn't able to put in 100 % of effort in my job.


      So, what's next..??

      I have joined a new job with a company called Raytheon Professional Services, India. It is the Indian arm of Raytheon Professional Services, which is a global leader in learning services and outsourcing. In simpler terms, Raytheon Professional Services, India provides Automotive related Training to the employess of leading Indian Auto Makers. It's head office is in Gurgaon.

      Why..?? You might again ask..

      Well for one, I now have a job which deals in the Automotive Sector and virtually everyone at my new workplace are Auto Enthusiasts. Moreover today is my first day at Raytheon Professional Services, India and I am writing this post sitting in my Gurgaon office without any feeling of guilt.

      As a perk, I now have access to all the Auto Magazines published in the country and I now will be attending Auto Expo 2008 as an employee of Raytheon Professional Services, India..!!


      But what about the Yamaha R1..??

      Aah.. I can't afford it, I don't need it and I don't want it..!!



      Maybe I am acting foolish. But even Steve Jobs ended his above mentioned speech with the following words.. "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish..!!"

      Now only time will tell whether this philosophy worked for me..




      [Read the text of the 2005 Stanford University Commencement address by Steve Jobs.. Click Here..]







      Disclaimer:

      This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.




      Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)