Small car market readies for 10 new models, variants
Utility vehicle segment leader Mahindra is expected to launch its first small car —the Verito hatchback — by mid-2013, to be followed by the NXR electric car. The latter is ready, but is awaiting government policy on electric car subsidies. Meanwhile, its former French partner Renault is reportedly localising the Modus compact for a price point below Rs 5 lakh.
Ford too is working on a small car, to be positioned below its successful Figo. This could be named the ‘Ka’, though ‘B-Max’ is also touted as a candidate.
Nissan is expected to debut the Datsun brand in India, with an entry-level hatchback, an entry-level sedan and a compact utility vehicle. Skoda too has a new Fabia planned for 2013-14, priced much below the current model.
Industry insiders say Skoda, scouting for volumes, is aiming to distance itself from parent Volkswagen’s prices.
“Maruti dominates the small car market, thanks to its large network and the best value in the segment. Rivals feel these things are easily achievable and they want to nibble away some market share. Even a small percentage gain is huge in volumes,” Rathore said.
Many others are working on small cars too, though they will come in later. Volkswagen is said to be working on modifying the Up compact for India and is set to unveil a new low-cost brand for emerging markets while Tata Motors is planning a
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