15/03/2015
''We are going to manufacture cars'' Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad , Chairman Nitol Niloy Group PDF Print E-mail
Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad is one of the leading business personalities of the country. He is one of the Founding Members of one of the biggest multinational companies of Bangladesh – The Nitol Niloy Group. In 1982, he started his business life by establishing his flagship company, Nitol Motors Limited. Currently, he is chairman of Nitol –Niloy Group and also the President of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industries. He talks toBusiness Outlooks’ Iftekhar Omer about the Introduction of Tata Nano in Bangladesh and also several other issues:
Q: Finally Tata Nano have been Launched in our Market .How will you describe the concept of ‘Nano’?
A: Mr. Ratan is the inceptor of the concept of Tata Nano. He dreamed for a car which will be dedicated for the middle class people. Tata introduced a car which will renovate the way of aspiring consumers in India and other developing countries throughout the world. Bangladesh is aiming to become Middle Income Country by 2021. Maintaining a car is a symbol of status in society. In this circumstance, Inception of Nano will definitely empower our middle class people.
Q: Why is it Unique . How will you differentiate the Nano from other cars available in the local markets?
A: Usually, we procure reconditioned car imported cars at a high rate from other countries. Here Tata is offering a Brand new Car at very reasonable price. Nano is affordable yet it is Luxurious and fashionable. It is the result of yearlong research and experiments. Tata wanted to produce which will be accommodating at least four people consuming less space in Road. The concept of Nano is moving "people's car," into the "Fashionable people's car." It has an excellent paint quality than any other cars .The easiest handling system will give the consumer a pleasant feeling as well.
Q: Critics are worried about its safety issues. Its lightweight structure is a reason of anxiety. How will you justify it?
A: I would like to assure the potentials customers about its safety. It is much secured than any other cars available in the market. The entire accidents test has been done. It has also included a ‘Safety Box’ which will allow you to carrying your valuable things as well. There are four different versions of Nano and we are bringing the most upgraded one. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect version.
Q: Nano was supposed to be a low cost car as you claimed earlier but now we don’t see much price difference with other cars in the market, what are the causes of price increase?
A: Currently, we have to pay 132 % tax of the production cost to the government for marketing of Tata Nano. The gap is huge .I have been trying heart and soul to make it cheaper for the consumers. I have urged to the government for exempting the supplementary taxes. Since, government is reviewing the proposal, I am very hopeful about it. My aim is to deduce the price to 5 Lakh 99 Thousand Taka.
Q: Currently Environmentalists are opposing introduction of private car in Dhaka city. In these circumstances you have launched Nano, How will you manage it?
A: I am well aware of it and anxious as well. Traffic congestion in Dhaka is increasing day by day. Lack of public transportation is forcing people to maintain their own private car. In this circumstance, I believe that Nano will consume less space in roads by accommodating more people than any other cars available in the market. Definitely, it will help to decrease traffic congestion at least to a certain degree.
Q: Earlier Nitol motors Introduced ‘Premium Bus’ in Dhaka city to facilitate Public transportation system? Don’t you have any plans for develop current public transportation system in Dhaka City ?
A: Yes, we are persuading for promoting better public transportation facilities in Dhaka. The government also has several plans. We can run AC bus as well if we revise the fare chart. The problem here is that investors are not confident in investing in this sector. There are several reasons such as traffic congestion, low fare rate, vandalization of vehicle by political mobs.
Q: Environmentalists are opposing against emissions from car exhaust which contain a range of toxic substances that causes air pollution. How will you justify the inception of Nano in this regard?
A: We have proposed for the CNG version of Nano and hopeful about it. Usually, in our country we use diesel containing harmful toxic element like Sulfur. I am advocating for using Diesel which doesn’t contain Sulfur that is environment friendly. Furthermore, Tata car has a high mileage which consumes less fuel than any other cars. There is no such car in our market which provides such mileage at a tolerable emission rate.
Q: Tata-Nitol group has a yearlong bond. Is there any plan to set up a manufacturing plant in Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh will start automobile manufacturing. Our automobile assembling industry is doing well. Manufacturing of motorbikes have been started .I am hopeful manufacturing of car in Bangladesh will start with Tata Nano. We will also produce its spare parts and components. I firmly believe that it will minimize the production cost which will be beneficial for end users. I also aim to export Bangladeshi cars to other countries as well.
Q: It is often said that SME is the most lifeline for our economy. How can we develop our local industries by empowering SMES?
A: Currently, Dhaka is overburdened with people who came from other districts to seek jobs. If we empower our SMEs then we will be able to enlarge our production range. SME of Light engineering is our top priority. It is my dream to set up a single industry in every district. It will diversify our employment opportunities.
Q: Young generation is keen to seek jobs rather than becoming entrepreneurs. How will you justify this trend .How will your encourage our new entrepreneurs?
A: First of all I would like to say that our young generation is very lucky that the born in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has lots of potentials to explore. They should start their own business rather than running after for job. I would like to suggest young people to become technically sound. Government should also emphasize technical education for young generation. Our curriculum should also show them the right paths so that they can implement their knowledge. Our current educational system is creating more unemployed people. I firmly believe that technical education will create the ‘Industrial Bangladesh’ that i I have dreamt for.
Source # http://businessoutlookbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=653:we-are-going-to-manufacture-cars-mr-abdul-matlub-ahmad--chairman-nitol-niloy-group&catid=43:magazine-news
Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad is one of the leading business personalities of the country. He is one of the Founding Members of one of the biggest multinational companies of Bangladesh – The Nitol Niloy Group. In 1982, he started his business life by establishing his flagship company, Nitol Motors Limited.…
