Interview with DVV Media India head
DVV (Deutscher Verkehrs-Verlag) Media Group is the world leader in Transport logistics publication. In 1947 the first copy of the DVZ (the general gazette for transport and freight forwarding) was published. Within a few years the DVZ develops into a leading international trade publication for transport and logistics. From its origins as a publisher of trade magazines, the group has grown into a global communications service provider. Print media such as newspapers and magazines are complemented by books, online products and specialist events. Today, within the Deutscher Verkehrs-Verlag group, 12 publishing companies produce newspapers and magazines, newsletters, specialist titles as well as reference books. With over 60 publications and 250 employees in Germany and abroad, the group covers the sectors of transport, logistics and maritime technology, rail technology, travel and meetings.
1. What has been the key factor that contributed to DVV Media Group establishing its presence in India?
India is ranked the second most attractive global business destination today. With India’s GDP growing at over 9% and the manufacturing sector enjoying double digit growth rates, the Indian logistics industry is at an inflection point, and is expected to reach a market size of over USD125bn by year 2010.
It is not just the vast potential that makes India a key market. size, diversity, complexity and a vast English speaking audience: all these make India a market no-one can ignore.
2. What magazines / products are you scheduled to launch in India?
LOG.india, a monthly 68 pager, will be the flagship of DVV Media India. It will emphasise on analysis, trends, indices etc. LOG.india will be launched in September 2007. The pre-launch issue, a special on the transport logistic fair at Munich was brought out last month at the transport logistic Munich Fair.
Next in line will be ‘The LOG.india Yearbook 2007’. We call it the veritable handbook for the logistics professional. This will be an annual publication that will provide a comprehensive overview of the past, present and future of the logistic ecosystem including road, rail, sea and air, inter-modal points, storage and warehousing and also of functional components like IT and HR. We are also looking at special compendiums, which will be comprehensive information packages for an event or occasion. The first in the series will be a compendium for the transport logistic fair at Munich. By the end of 2007 we would also be looking at directories and a who’s who for the industry.
Our community building exercise will see a lot of forums and round tables through the start of Log.fora,where we will be getting the community on a common platform-where ideas can be exchanged, knowledge shared and concerns can be addressed. Another important product that we are looking forward to is our website.
3. What was the response to your pre-launch issue?
It was great and the industry congratulated me on the stand I took for the community via the Publisher’s note. I would recommend every one to read it. It summarises all that DVV Media India stands for.
4. How do you think these magazines / products will make an impact on the Indian logistics market? What void will these fill up?
LOG.india will be similar to LOG.punkt, our German publication, and since LOG.india is in English, it will reach across all the diverse and high profile people in the logistic field in India and neighboring countries. Our parent company has experience of over 64 years in the area of transport and logistics. We have no doubt that along with their associate companies in Europe, the India enterprise will bring a unique proposition to the Indian market. Also there is no publication catering to this specific niche that can claim to be an authentic high quality platform. LOG.india will also fill the void of a communication vehicle that will reach out into one of the most lucrative markets in the world. It would be the ideal vehicle for international companies that are seeking joint ventures or to introduce new products in the Indian Market.
Our other publications will address specific needs of the industry and they will set standards for reliability and richness of contemporary information.
5. According to you, what is the state of B2B publishing, with specific reference of logistics publishing, in India currently?
B2B publishing is still in a very nascent stage in India. Barring a handful of big publishers who have started b2b arms, all other players are not very professional in their approach. Very few can claim an audited circulation. Focus is another issue. Rarely do we find a publication with well defined strategy and positioning in the marketplace. Even the existing publications are positioned in sub-verticals like shipping, air cargo etc. No one has shown the confidence to handle the complete vertical. Further, b2b publications in India are working at rates that are too low to be attractive to international players who are used to spending money on production and editorial quality.
6. How are you looking at scaling up your operations in India?
I have always believed in the power of the community. Communities have tremendous wisdom within them. It is sad that no-one works towards tapping this knowledge bank. DMI will make an earnest effort to tap this wisdom. It is our belief that involvement of the community is the secret ingredient that goes into the recipe for success. Our initiative that we call LOG.fora will be an ongoing series of meetings, discussions; round-tables that will help the industry connect with itself. It will be a platform where the industry can meet and discuss problems, issues, current topics, new developments and anything of concern. It is this first hand information of industry concerns and expectations that will help us stay one step ahead. The community will also tell us of initiatives that we need to take to be the centre for excellence in logistic communications in India.
7. What plans do you have for new offices / new people to join you in the next one year?
We have started our operations from our office in Ballard Estate in Mumbai with a 10 member strong core team. We wish to work on a partnering approach with people who would like to add value from different parts of the country. Within a year we will establish our presence in all major metros and a few strategically important towns.
8. What special features / services will your magazine provide?
LOG.india will provide a vision. It will be an interactive platform for fostering community wisdom. LOG.india will become the reference point for the India – centric logistic professional. It will be a platform where the industry can take up issues, address concerns and put up a united front.
9. What special features / services will your website provide?
Our website will complete the 360 degree communication circle that we have in mind. It will provide the community with a truly interactive platform which would connect them to their universe and help them better their companies’ bottom lines. The website will be utilitarian and feature-rich and will aim to become the ‘home-page’ of every logistics professional.