Honda Motors has been residing in the domestic auto market since a long time now and has continually been extolled for its unique innovations. Incessantly, it has secured a place in the top 5 car manufacturers of Indian and sources speculate that it is inching closer to Hyundai India, in interludes. With Japanese auto maker's proposition for the upcoming year, it seems a perplexed situation as to who will take the crown, but one thing is assured that domestic buyers will be getting a multitude of new models to select from.
The South Korean car maker, Hyundai, has seen an equal amount of time in India as the Japanese auto giant. With characteristics of efficiency, durability and performance, Hyundai India has gained the second spot in country's pioneer auto makers, where it just lags behind Maruti Suzuki India Limited. The company has shown resilience in the past, by refurbishing the models which were discredited by the Indian buyers and constantly upgrading its image in accordance with the modern requirements.
It seems a cold war awaits on the launching platform as Hyundai and Honda will be competing in almost every basic segment. Hyundai's proclamations in the forthcoming calender aren't to be taken lightly as the company is arriving in the entry level sedan segment with the premier of its Grand i10 sedan. The car will be facing a direct face-off with Honda Amaze, which has won accolades of international standards since its advent in the country. Honda's car has accomplished brilliant feats and even after the launch of Hyundai's upcoming sedan, the latter will take time to match the figures of former.
Interestingly, hatchback segment witnesses Hyundai India as an indomitable company. The South Korean car maker has established a legacy in this segment with the introduction of countless cars, all welcomed with lauds. Honda is sustaining its trademark Brio in the same segment but the major difference being that this car is only available with a petrol variant. With perpetual upgrades, Hyundai has become the indomitable hatchback maker amongst the duo. The latest recreation of Hyundai Grand i10 has been awarded with the Indian Car of the Year 2014 mainly due to its technologically advanced U2 diesel engine.
It must be noted that even if Honda manages to launch a diesel version of its hatchback in the near future, it will take efforts to compete with an unparalleled feat of Hyundai. Experts believe that Honda might have to rethink its strategies and come up with more hatchbacks so as to efficiently stand against Hyundai. The Japanese car company has made its intentions clear with the introduction of next-generation Jazz to be incorporated with a diesel engine. It will be compelling to see that how the auto maker manages to publicise its product. Also, the company needs to aggressively price its new Jazz as the previous generation model could not stabilise its growth mainly due to its hefty tag.
In mid-size sedan segment, there is a stiff rivalry between Honda City and Hyundai Verna. The former was once an undisputed winner in the segment but the advent of latter saw Honda losing its grip. The same hindrance in the absence of a diesel version revived for Honda and gradually it coped up with the obstacles and decided to showcase the diesel version of its optimal sedan. Next-generation Honda City is tapped with “Earth Dream” diesel technology, which proved to be an immense success in Amaze. Based on statistics, the diesel engine from Honda is performing more efficiently as compared to Hyundai Verna's VTVT engineering. But, conclusion cannot be based on statistics only, as the latter has redefined the entire segment with its countless sales.
Focussing on Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment, both the auto makers have not been able to perform methodically and have suffered with consequences. Hyundai Santa Fe was disregarded by consumers as it was not cost efficient and buyers were getting better features from other options at competitive prices. Honda CR-V, on the other hand, saw moderate sales but the lack of a diesel engine again brought failure in the company's fate. However, the duo is all geared to premier both SUVs in 2014, with fabricated design and sturdy handling. Again, Honda will be incorporating its new diesel technology in CR-V.
As all are aware, Honda's entrance in the diesel-engine market is a bit overdue but it will certainly attempt to capture its vast fan base with new creativities. Experts also believe that the Japanese car maker's technology is unrivalled in all aspects and the same has been extolled globally but somehow, Hyundai is incapable to surpass that level. With a steady presence in India, the South Korean auto maker will have a beneficial edge in the battle but underestimating Honda's potential would be a fallacy. In a given time, Honda can certainly level up its presence in the domestic market but victory will come with adversities, the likes of which this car maker is efficient to curtail.
