The Auto Expo 2012 turns out to be an unprecedented auto show in not just one but many forms, of which one is the absence of a vehicle that adds weight to the rapidly growing compact car segment. According to analysts, this fact proves to be a great achievement for Maruti Suzuki that has been successful in attracting much attention without riding on the shoulders of small cars and eventually broaden its ambit.
This time round, auto makers have confirmed their commitment towards bringing out two-wheelers, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The car companies have decided to shift the emphasis as all these categories are indicating positivity amid slackening pace of growth in the market.
The initial days of the expo saw much action at the two-wheeler stalls, with Honda unveiling its eagerly-anticipated 110cc bike, Dream Yuga that would target the mass motorcycle market of India. Changing the widespread mindset of consumers, this time, Honda has left out the high-pricing strategy to stimulate its market share. Dream Yuga would likely be carrying a price tag of around Rs. 46,000.
Joining the league is Hero MotoCorp that came out with the 110cc Passion X-Pro, along with a sporty looking 125cc bike, Ignitor that seems to be an ideal refreshment and replacement for Passion, analysts say. In view of the slew of new launches, analysts confirm that the economy bike segment would witness a significant increase in competition, besides having more in store for buyers.
Even with a host of new motorcycles in the pipeline, two-wheeler manufacturers have maintained balance between the bike and scooter segment. Majority of two-wheeler makers have either forayed into or introduced a new scooter for the Indian customers. As per Credit Suisse, the said segment has shown significant growth in India in the recent years as scooters contributed for 19 per cent of the overall two-wheeler sales in India. “Manufacturers are now talking about an estimated seven to eight per cent growth in motorcycles in FY13 and 15 per cent growth in scooters, leading to 10 per cent overall two-wheeler growth,” says Credit Suisse.
Observing the Mahindra & Mahindra’s highly motivating performance in the last one year, auto makers are ready to bet on the utility vehicle segment for attaining set targets in the market. Maruti seems to have learnt the present trends quite early as it launched the multi purpose vehicle (MPV) Ertiga at the Auto Expo recently. Ford too brought in its compact sports utility vehicle EcoSport with the aim of riding high in the Indian market. The trendsetter M&M showcased its latest production, XUV 500, along with Acyton and Rexton that hail from Ssangyong.
The changing preferences of the Indian customers have prompted car makers to look beyond the small car segment and explore new possibilities for the future.
