Reliance Retail is reported to be talking to automakers to sell vehicles through its various retail formats. Bajaj Auto and Hero Honda are two companies with whom Reliance is pursuing an arrangement for retailing.
“We had a very interesting discussion with Reliance Retail some time back. However, we have not taken any decision as yet,” said a Hero Honda spokesperson. Meanwhile, it is learnt that RIL plans to acquire some existing automobile dealerships, mainly in the metros.
According to sources, RIL’s strategy will initially be to use its petrol pump network. Subsequently, this is expected to be extended to Reliance’s proposed hypermarket chains, which will be the largest format in the company’s retail business. The company is said to be planning a chain of hypermarkets on highways – each to be over 1.5 lakh square feet in area – and is in talks with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
