Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 17: Rukmani Motors Pvt. Ltd., an authorised dealer of Maruti Suzuki, has announced ambitious expansion plans in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aiming to strengthen automobile sales and after-sales services across the region. The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by Mr. Ayush Baheti, CEO of Rukmani Motors Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Baheti informed that Rukmani Motors is a third-generation family business that was originally established in 2003 in Indore by his grandfather and father. Over the years, the company has grown significantly and today operates a major Maruti Suzuki dealership network.
Speaking about the company’s entry into the islands, he said that the Port Blair dealership marks the second major expansion for Rukmani Motors. The company began its operations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in January 2025 with a smaller setup and has since expanded its presence with modern showroom facilities for both Maruti Suzuki Arena and Nexa models.
“We had promised customers in Andaman that we would bring something they had never seen before. Today we have established some of the finest showrooms in Port Blair, including a Nexa showroom and an Arena outlet at Phoenix Bay,” Mr. Baheti said.
According to him, the response from customers in the islands has been encouraging. In just about a year of operations, the dealership has already delivered nearly 800 vehicles in the Andaman market. At present, the dealership sells almost 80 to 90 vehicles per month, and the company expects this number to increase further in the coming years.
Mr. Baheti explained that Maruti Suzuki introduced the Nexa brand in 2016 as its premium retail channel. While Nexa has over 300 outlets across India, Port Blair remained one of the few locations where Nexa had not yet been established. With the launch of the Nexa showroom in the islands, customers now have access to the complete range of Maruti Suzuki vehicles.
“At present we offer the entire portfolio of Maruti Suzuki cars in Andaman, with more than 15 models available through our Arena and Nexa outlets,” he said.
Apart from vehicle sales, the company is placing a strong emphasis on improving service facilities in the islands. A new service centre has recently started operations, and the dealership is currently servicing around 10 to 15 vehicles daily.
Mr. Baheti acknowledged that logistics remains one of the major challenges in the islands, particularly when it comes to the availability of spare parts. To address this issue, the company has adopted a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, it plans to maintain sufficient stock of spare parts locally so that customers do not face delays. Secondly, if any specific part is unavailable, it will be transported from the mainland by air to ensure faster servicing.
“Our focus is not only on selling vehicles but also on providing reliable service. If customers receive good service, it automatically builds trust and leads to future sales,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rukmani Motors has planned further expansion across the islands. The company intends to establish a new showroom and workshop in Diglipur within the next two to three months. In addition, a service facility is planned for Rangat in Middle Andaman within the next six months. The company is also considering extending its ‘Service on Wheels’ facility to remote areas, including Havelock Island, so that customers can receive assistance at their doorstep.
“Our aim is simple – customers should not have to come to us for service. Instead, we want to reach our customers wherever they are,” Mr. Baheti stated.
Future plans of the company also include launching Maruti Suzuki True Value (used car sales), a commercial vehicle segment, and a Maruti Suzuki Driving School in the islands.
Commenting on the automobile market in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Baheti said the industry currently records approximately 250 vehicle sales per month, and this number may increase to around 300 units per month in the coming years with the introduction of new models, including electric vehicles.
As a market leader, Maruti Suzuki aims to maintain about 50 percent market share in the islands, he added.
Mr. Baheti also emphasised that customers in Andaman receive the same promotional offers and discounts that are available to buyers on the mainland. “All offers announced by Maruti Suzuki across India are provided here as well. Our approach is transparent, and we ensure that customers receive fair pricing and the same benefits,” he said.
Sharing his personal experience of visiting the islands, Mr. Baheti said he first came to Andaman in November 2024 and saw great potential for business expansion in the region.
“Many people may see it as a challenge, but for us it is a business opportunity. Andaman is very much a part of India, and with the right service and customer trust, we believe the market here has strong potential,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Rukmani Motors will continue to grow in the islands while delivering quality vehicles and dependable service to customers across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
