Reliance enters Auto zone with 10 retail stores

After the successful launch of 10 Reliance retail formats, Reliance has now entered the auto sector. Reliance will launch its AutoZone outlets, the first in the chain of speciality stores that will sell and service cars. India is one of world's fastest growing automobile market and Reliance has planned to have its share in it.

The store that will cater to the needs of the vehicle owners will first be launched in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The outlet will offer product retail as well as service centre for cars and two-wheelers. It will also provide periodic maintenance and quick repair along with a range of auto accessories with on the spot installation. Apart from retailing electric bikes, the company also plans to deal in used cars in the coming months.

"We are not inclined to any make or model," says Arun Dey, chief executive of Reliance AutoZone. "Everyone can come in. Today, most of the outlets are so crowded and use spurious parts…people have no choice", he adds

Reliance AutoZone plans to have a pan India presence by opening 400 such stores in the next three-four years. In India, an approx of 104 million cars are sold. This figure is expected to touch 2.2 million by 2010. However, Reliance has not tied up with any of the auto companies.

The 12,000 sq ft Reliance Autozone outlet will first roll out in Jamnagar as it is seen as an emerging and futuristic market.