Reliance on a single model begins at about 40% and goes up to 80 % in case of some companies
The battle between Volkswagen's Polo and Toyota's Etios may well decide who'll be the world's largest car maker.
India's automobile market is expected to register a slower growth between 12-14 per cent in the current calendar year, as compared to 30 per cent in 2010, an industry official said on Thursday.
In January this year, VW had said it will invest a minimum of Rs 2,000 crore on its Indian operations by 2013 to ramp up capacity, launch new models and strengthen research activities.
While the Slavia comes in eight different variants, it's the base model that starts at around Rs 10.7 lakh that is most likely to take a bite out of the market share of its competitors, says Pavan Lall.
The year 2011 too has a number of hatchbacks ready to be launched.
New Creta, petrol Vitarra Brezza.. A quick look at what went down at Auto Expo Day 2.
After GM's India exit, Ford-Mahindra 'strategic alliance' under spotlight.
High ground clearance, a wide cabin and tall stance all mean that the Carens glides over bad roads with ease and comfort and an engine performance that is adequate in terms of the power of this vehicle, says Pavan Lall.
Automobile companies are worried about challenges from electric mobility, automation and connected vehicles.
VW was to invest Rs 1,000 cr, now sceptical about cost advantage
In one of the most fierce and controversial battles for investments, Maharashtra -- specifically, Pune -- beat 17 locations and 6 states, including AP to win over Volkswagen and consolidate its position as India's Detroit.
Ford is among several multinational automobile companies in India for whom exports now bring bigger volumes than local sales.
For the longest time the Polo GT had no real competition in terms of its build quality and product positioning. Until now, says Pavan Lall.
Maruti's exports are limited and mainly to countries in Africa and Latin America.
Even as domestic passenger car sales declined 29.4 per cent between April and August this year, exports grew 6.5 per cent, partially cushioning the blow from slowing sales.
Seven years after it announced Nexa, there's no mistaking the seriousness with which Maruti wants the segment to grow, says Pavan Lall.
An average of 30-40 per cent automation is standard across all big automobile plants in the country
GM India said it has already sent individual letters.
Maruti Suzuki remains India's most influential auto brand.
Zippy and comfortable, the Mini Convertible is a perfect car for short jaunts, but this isn't the ride you'd choose to take your entire family to the airport or pick for a long family excursion, says Pavan Lall.
Recently there has been a flood of new launches that have posed a serious threat to the almost monopolistic models by Honda.
Let alone a discount, they might not even get the model, variant or colour of choice in BS-IV-compliant vehicles.
The curious case is of Honda, which has moved up the pecking order while actually losing market share!
The company is looking to exploit the upper B+ segment, which has seen high demand growth since the launch of Maruti's Swift, followed by several models like the Hyundai i20, Fiat Grande Punto, Maruti Ritz, Volkswagen Polo and Nissan Micra.
The company believes there is a shift in consumer demand, more buyers could opt for Skoda in future
Mercedes-Benz plans to sell more compact cars.
Buoyed by the success in a tiny but exclusive market, Lamborghini India, which operates dealerships in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, is going to roll out another two, in Kolkata and Chennai, in the near future.
The new Vento, which has been introduced in 1.6-litre petrol and diesel variants, will hit the Indian roads from September 6, 2010 and will be available through all Volkswagen dealers, the company said on Wednesday.
Every time we pointed out the overwhelming evidence of diesel's toxicity, we were brushed aside.
There is another common trend among these three players - they are all registering a volume decline in a market that is expanding at over 8 per cent
Audi's strategy seems to point to pushing technology to directly connect with consumers using digital platforms and marketing to synchromesh into one seamless experience, says Pavan Lall.
Chevrolet loses India on the map Why did GM's iconic all American brand mess up its chances in one of the fastest growing automobile markets?
'More than one brand in a showroom is too risky because customer loyalty in this market is low. Most people don't drive different cars made by the same manufacturer for a lifetime, they experiment.'
BMW's plant in Chenna now has 50 per cent localisation.
It may be the season for corporate matchmaking but India Inc's record of managing partnerships is far from impressive, says Shailesh Dobhal.
The factory, inaugurated on Tuesday, will initially build Skoda Auto AS's Fabia hatchbacks from May before beginning production of a hatchback version of Volkswagen Polo in 2010. With this, VW becomes the last of the world's biggest auto manufacturers to mark its foray into India through a full production facility.
Will Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara see a second innings in India?
It offers all-round blend of performance, comfort and convenience with excellent build quality.
According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, significant growth is being witnessed in the multi-axle trucks segment, which has posted 112 per cent growth in the year 2006-07.
