The big plus C4D has over Maya (imo) is that you do not need in depth teaching to start producing animations. By this I mean classroom teaching. I have been able to improve my animations whilst still delivering on projects (with the help of this forum and CBT).
Whilst I doubt many people will disagree that Maya is used more prominently in the bigger VFX studios, C4D is hot on its heals with great modules like Body Paint and Mograph.
Who knows, if Maxon keep pumping out quality improvements (like those seen in R11), C4D may soon be the 3D industry standard?