Hyundai-i10 launched at Rs 3.4 lakh

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

Related Articles

India, China to propel Honda growthM&M set to roll out bikes in 2010VW pitches for 10% market share by ’14Skoda to realign products in India

New Delhi, Oct 31: Hyundai’s popular Santro is set to take a back seat with the company’s launch on Wednesday of the compact i10. The 1,100-cc petrol vehicle, which carries a starting price of Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), makes its worldwide debut in India.

To be manufactured in India for both domestic and international markets, the i10 will, in all likelihood, become Hyundai’s flagship product. A lot rides on the new model, as no other product from the Korean company’s stable has been a winner like the Santro. Hyundai has about 17.5% of the overall domestic car market, against Maruti Suzuki’s over 50%.

“We expect to sell a minimum of 1.5 lakh units of the i10 next year in the domestic market while exports of the vehicle are expected to be around 1 lakh units,” said Hyundai Motor India MD HS Lheem.

Hyundai officials were quick to point out, however, that the Santro would not be phased out. “Though there can be some cannibalisation, we have a five-year plan for the Santro as well,” insisted Hyundai India VP marketing Arvind Saxena.

Hyundai has already announced that India would be the global hub for the manufacture of its small cars. The i10, positioned between Hyundai’s Santro and the ‘Getz’ premium hatchback, has variants priced up to Rs 4.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), with the top-end loaded with features like ABS, air bags, sun roof and seat belts with pre-tensioners.