Dassault looks to tap Indian cos with global ambitions

Global 3D design software and solutions major Dassault Systemes is looking to tap opportunity provided by the aggressive moves by homegrown Indian companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra and Hero MotoCorp among others, to build their brands internationally and export products to overseas markets.

The company, which has identified India as a candidate to be its future largest market in Asia along with China, is focussing on sectors like mobility, energy and infrastructure as areas that will fuel growth in the market, which is its "fastest growing" in the world.

"In the past two years, I have seen in many prestigious Indian companies a change in mindset. I see something new happening... Many Indian companies want to build their own brand and export it to the world...it is a great opportunity for a new kind of approach for us. The Indian market is extremely strategic for us...,"  Dassault Systemes President and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Charles told visiting Indian journalists here.

Speaking on the sidelines of SolidWorks World 2012 convention here, he said the company has been engaged in discussions over providing computer-aided design software and product lifecycle management solutions to many Indian firms, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp and Godrej group.

"For instance, Hero, they want to develop their own product after breaking up with Honda and export it to the other markets... India is going to accelerate export," he said.

Stressing on the importance of the Indian market, Charles said: "India is a very dynamic market for us. In terms of revenue, it is the fastest growing market for us, although on a low base. India and China will be the largest market for us in Asia in the long-run," he said without disclosing country specific revenues.

At present, Japan and Korea are the top two markets for Dassault Systemes in Asia. Globally, the US ranks the first, followed by Germany and Japan, he added.

Commenting on sectors that the company is targeting in India, Charles said: "Mobility, from two-wheelers to buses along with cars, energy, infrastructure, they are key. It is a great opportunity."

He said already the company has about 1,500 to 2,000 employees in India and it will focus on setting up network of people for its group firm DS SolidWorks Corp and also on product life cycle management.

DS SolidWorks Corp CEO Bertrand Sicot said the company will gradually enhance the research and development capacity in order to meet the growing demand in the Indian market.

"Last year we doubled the R&D strength at our Pune centre to 150...going forward as per requirement we will strengthen it," Sicot said without specifying details.

DS SolidWorks Corp develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. In India, the company has 2,500 customers and has been growing the base at over 20 per cent annually.