60 car launches planned through 2008: On offer would be everything from haute hatchbacks and green tech hybrids to adrenalin-dripping super premium luxe models. Not to mention the world’s cheapest automobile, the Rs 1 lakh people’s car from Tata Motors.
As usual, the biggest action will be in the small car market where global best-sellers will rub shoulders with locally-developed tarmac scorchers. Maruti Suzuki will kick off the action with its Splash and A-Star concept, though the latter would be a predominantly export model. In the premium hatchback category, the Swift, Getz, U-VA troika will face competition from the likes of the Skoda Fabia and the Fiat Grande Punto, though all eyes would definitely be on the Rs 1-lakh car.
The mid-size market would sizzle too with debutantes like the i20 from Hyundai, Logan-spawned Sandero from Renault, the Jetta from Volkswagen and the Linea from Fiat. Add to that the Swift sedan and the new launches cover every price point in that segment.
The Fiat Bravo and the Mistubishi Lancer Gallant will keep the debut buzz alive and kicking in the mid-size premium segment. But some of the sexiest newcomers next year will be 4x4 muscle-flexers. While Mitsubishi is all set to bring along its Outlander sports utility vehicle (SUV), GM will roll out its Captiva, Hyundai the Santa Fe and BMW the X6. So if you like your vehicle BIG and MACHO, you’ll have plenty to choose from next year.
In the luxe car space too there will be plenty of action with the all new C Class from Daimler and the BMW M5 & M6 expected to be the star eye candies.
Of course, Indian car majors have lined up a range of locally developed beauties — including both new platform products as well as makeover versions. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), for instance, will launch its new multi-utility vehicle Ingenio while Tata Motors will roll out the next generation Sumo and the new pick-up truck Xenon (besides the Rs 1-lakh car). Current best-sellers like the Santro, Indica and Toyota Innova will also see an alternative avatar thanks to the growing demand for CNG/LPG options. At the higher price bracket, several hybrid options will debut, including the Honda Civic, Tata Indica and M&M Scorpio SUV.
Okay so there will a rush of new models; but will they be affordable? More or less. Car makers are eyeing the big excitement generated by these new launches to grab incremental sales in a market that hasn’t been too perky this year.
Which means every debutante will pack in better quality and features at an attractive price to grab the most eyeballs and footfalls. And that would include both international models as well as the locally developed lineup. Some of these cars will premier in India first, like the recently-launched Hyundai i10 and Maruti SX4. As increasing competition force car makers to bring latest launches to this market, the first premiered in India tag will become a common one.
The 1.4 million unit strong Indian passenger car market will display more than 100 potential models at the Auto Expo in January though many of them are slated for an entry beyond 2008.
