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      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      2013, it can be safely said, has been one of the most eventful years in the recent history of the Indian car market, filled with events and happenings. The automobile industry is quite popular and happenings in the Indian market are covered extensively by tabloids, news channels and Internet portals. To say the least, 2013, so far, has not been a happy year for car makers operating in India. Anyone who knows even a little about the current position of the Indian car market would use phrases like 'slowdown in demand, 'economic crisis', 'constantly dipping sales' and 'no growth' to express his/her views. The after effects of all these 'phrases' can be seen in the actions taken by car makers, who have stepped up the ante in order to sustain themselves in the market.

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      Like every year, a number of new models have been introduced in India in 2013, primarily aimed at attracting more buyers. Interestingly, the portfolio of vehicles launched in 2013 includes car from almost all segments, depicting the need for new models. Some models have proved to be game changers for their respective manufacturers, single-handedly keeping them afloat in the market. Some of the most notable launches of 2013 have been Honda Amaze, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nano CNG emax, new Skoda Octavia and Rolls-Royce Wraith.

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      If one had to pinpoint at the top three launches in of 2013, the name Honda Amaze would certainly figure on the list. This compact sedan, first diesel car by Honda, has taken the Indian car market by storm. Powered by the Earth Dreams diesel technology, the Amaze symbolises the kind of effort put in by Honda to redevelop its brand image in India. By launching this compact sedan, the Japanese car maker has been able to target mass buyers of the Indian auto market. Earlier, Honda was known to be a brand that produces vehicles only for the elite, a perception that has been changed due to the introduction of the Amaze. If one was to look at Honda's sales figures for 2013, it would not be surprising to see the kind of impact made by the Amaze. Even during adverse market conditions, this model has kept the Japanese brand afloat in the market.

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      Talking about game changers, one car that has done for Ford what Amaze did for Honda is the EcoSport compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Seeing the success achieved by the Renault Duster, the American auto giant decided to enter the compact SUV segment. Through clever marketing and advertising, there was a lot of hype created around the EcoSport, much before its launch. The car maker was pretty confident of a good showing in the market despite unfavourable conditions. It would be an understatement to say that the EcoSport has delivered, considering that it amassed 30000 bookings in just 17 days. A measure of its success can be seen by the fact that the EcoSport has taken away a major share of the Renault Duster, which was the best car in its segment before the former was launched. Seeing the success of the Duster and EcoSport, Japanese car maker Nissan has recently introduced the Terrano compact SUV in the market. Just like the EcoSport, a lot had been said and discussed about the Terrano before its launch. Since it is a recent launch, nothing can be commented about its performance although speculations suggest that it could do well, given the demand for compact SUVs.

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      German car maker Mercedes-Benz could, easily, be categorised as one of the best car makers in the Indian market in 2013, if product impact is taken into consideration. After delivering a low-key performing in the past two years, the brand with a three-pointed star has made a stunning comeback in the Indian car market. Labelling 2013 as the 'Year of Offensive', Mercedes-Benz has been pretty aggressive in India as it has introduced a number of vehicles in 2013. The launch of the A-Class hatchback was a result of the first mover advantage taken by Mercedes-Benz in order to target more buyers. Needless to say, the A-Class has got an overwhelming response from both critics and customers. Mercedes-Benz did not stop after launching low-cost vehicles, it went ahead and introduced the E63 AMG, a sports car priced at Rs. 1.29 crore (ex-showroom New Delhi).

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      If there is one brand that has a made a mark in the luxury car segment in 2013, it is Rolls-Royce. The Britain-based brand, considered to be the epitome of luxury by enthusiasts all around the world, launched the Wraith in the month of August. According to the manufacturer, the Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever as it can churn an output of around 624 bhp and a torque of 800 Nm. The list of features included in this ultra-premium luxury car, literally, is unbelievable and depicts the master class the brand stands for.

      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
      Automobile manufacturers show enthusiasm for 2013 with new car launches
       

      No year in the Indian car market can be complete without a model from the country's largest passenger vehicle maker. After keeping quiet for the first half of 2013, Maruti Suzuki launched the Stingray hatchback in India. Before its launch, a lot of rumours did rounds about this car and it being named as Wagon R Stingray. However, in order to prevent a marketing debacle, the firm stuck with the name Stingray. To compete with the Stingray, Maruti Suzuki's biggest competitor, Hyundai, came up with the Grand i10, which has performed exceptionally well in India.