The compact segment where Sonet will be launched is crowded with the Maruti Vitara and Brezza, which top the sales' list, and a bevy of models from Mahindra & Mahindra apart from Hyundai's offering. But volumes in this are slightly higher than those in the mid-segment, making it attractive, says Surajeet Das Gupta.
The increase in PV sales in September was driven by festive season purchases, with SUV models like Maruti Suzuki's Brezza, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Scorpio, Ford Ecosport and Honda W-RV witnessing good traction
Lineup includes a family compact car, hybrid, SUV and others.
Every M&M car shares a certain DNA which is rugged, with an off-roading quality and built for hard wear and tear. The XUV is all those, but also has a smoother edge for those who want city comfort now offered in competitor vehicles such as the MG Hector, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Tiguan and Tata's Harrier, says Pavan Lall.
The new Duster will go head-to-head with popular models like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, etc in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The price differential has been upwards of 20%.
'The decrease in the popularity of white cars and the rise in preference for darker colours like black, grey, and blue over the past three years reflect changing consumer attitudes.'
'The Indian govt's initiatives on EVs are very strong and customers want to buy EVs. This will make the country's conversion to EVs faster than other markets, and I hope even faster than the US'
Toyota, Mercedes Benz and BMW, have announced a hike already.
Facing capacity constraint, firm is yet to take a call on setting up a new manufacturing unit in India.
The 5-seater Compass is set to take on Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500, Renault Duster, Toyota Innova and Tata Hexa.
It lacks the finesse of its direct rival, the Hyundai Creta, but otherwise it is fun to drive and power is in abundance too
However, sales of mini segment cars, including Alto and WagonR, declined 7.9 per cent to 25,524 units from 27,712 in the year-ago month
'Some of the launches may get deferred due to the semiconductor shortage, which is unlikely to get resolved before the second half of 2022.'
Overall, we feel that the Hyundai Elantra is a very good car for people who aren't into aggressive driving but for those who want refinement and comfort along with a long list of features and a pleasant driving experience.
Although it has not announced the price bookings, sources say it could be in thousands.
Officials were surprised at how quickly smugglers appraised the Covid situation to recruit jobless migrant workers to ship gold.
Maruti's Alto retained the best-selling model tag in January with 22,998 units as against 21,462 in January 2016.
The S-Cross will be available only in diesel engine options of 1.6 litre and 1.3 litre.
First off the block will be a new multi-purpose vehicle which is being co-developed with Toyota - Suzuki's alliance partner. The model will also wear a Toyota badge.
Demand for passenger vehicles has been driven by new models, especially in the SUV category with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza and Hyundai Creta clocking good numbers
Czech automaker Skoda on Monday forayed into the midsize SUV segment in India with the launch of its new offering Kushaq, priced between Rs 10.5 lakh and Rs 17.6 lakh (ex showroom Delhi).
Close to half a dozen more three-row premium mid-size models are expected to hit the road over the next two years.
While the overall passenger car industry is expected to grow at around seven per cent a year in the next five years, SUV growth is expected to be over 10 per cent.
M&M also saw its domestic passenger vehicle sales grow by 1 per cent, while Toyota Kirloskar Motor witnessed a decline in its PV sales.
Maruti Suzuki India, country's largest carmaker on Thursday reported 3.7 per cent rise in total sales in September.
Sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire and Baleno increased by 4.1 per cent to 50,362 units
'The semiconductor supply is constantly improving, with visible green-shoots in the situation as compared to earlier part of last year'
On the highway, it pulls along with ease and offers smooth commuter ride and drive experience, and also has little competition, says Pavan Lall.
A weaker rupee against the US dollar and the Japanese yen along with margin sustenance pressures have forced companies to raise prices.
Reliance on a single model begins at about 40% and goes up to 80 % in case of some companies
Only five of India's top 20 car models have seen a reduction in wait times over the past year.
Ford India and Renault too reported good sales growth in April
Market leader Maruti Suzuki is putting finishing touches to its plan of finding its feet in what is being hailed as a battle of epic proportions in India's fastest-growing passenger vehicle segment, reports Arindam Majumder.
Czech automaker Skoda on Thursday globally unveiled its all new SUV Kushaq which would take on the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the fastest growing mid-sized SUV segment in the domestic market. The model is the first production car as part of the company's India 2.0 project. Under the lead responsibility of Skoda Auto, Volkswagen Group is investing 1 billion euros in its model campaign in the Indian subcontinent to strengthen its presence.
Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Monday reported a 29.1 per cent rise in total sales in October.
Maruti Suzuki India said its domestic sales rose 10.6 per cent in May.
Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai would make the largest gain.
Right now, the 'Lower D' or LD segment -- which the industry defines as a sedan that costs between Rs 1.5 million and Rs 2 million, is longer than 4.5 metres, and powered by an engine of 1.8 litre or larger -- has barely three cars, all of which have been around for over a decade in India. Nevertheless, at least one foreign auto player is looking to bet big on the segment.
From Audi A8 to Honda Civic, here's what the auto industry has lined up in 2019.
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