Hyundai Motor to come out with all-new Getz

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

• Discount UK Shopping

Related Articles

Maruti, Hyundai sales zipRecord Mercedes-Benz sales in JanuaryNew models, rural mkts & low rates propel auto sal...Alto, Wagon R to get new engine

New Delhi, Geneva, Mar 7: Hyundai Motor India is all set to introduce a new version of its hatchback Getz in both petrol and diesel versions. The former will sport a sub 1,300-cc engine to avail of the benefit of concessional (16%) excise duty on small cars.

According to company officials, Hyundai is looking at a total revamp of the Getz brand in India as the model failed to garner numbers in the market, especially following the huge success of the Swift.

Monthly sales of Getz are believed to have fallen to just a few hundred units from over 1,000 units a month while the Swift sells between 4,000-5,000 units every month.

Hence, the company plans to sell the new car under the brand 'Getz Prime', which it hopes will change its fortune in the premium hatchback segment. “The new model is likely be out in the next two months or so and we are confident that it will lead to strengthening of our portfolio in the compact segment,” the officials said.

Hyundai had launched the Getz in India in September 2004 but the model failed to pick up as expected. On the other hand, the launch of the Swift by Maruti in May 2005 saw the emergence of the premium hatchback as a strong segment with companies like General Motors, Toyota and Honda making a beeline for a share of the pie. While GM has launched the 1,200-cc petrol U-VA in the segment, Toyota and Honda are finalising their plans.

Hyundai officials said that petrol variant of the Getz may be out in the next two-months, the diesel version may take a few more months. Interestingly, Maruti-Suzuki launched a diesel version of the Swift earlier this year to make inroads into the diesel car market, currently dominated by Tata Motors with Indica and Indigo. Hyundai officials said work on the new models was currently on. “We are finalising plans on the engine options, marketing strategy and other details,” they said.

Hyundai Motor India will start exports of the Getz to global market starting March 2007. The company will be exporting a left-hand drive version of the 1300-cc Getz to Europe, South Africa, South America and Middle East.