The major auto makers operating in India are going to make an attempt to attract customers by launching new vehicles or upgrading the existing models in this festive season. This move is believed to counter the declining sales that is being speculated this year, as well. Looking at sales in 2013 in the Indian auto market, the declining number of cars being sold has become a big worry for manufacturers. It must be noted that figures have gone south every month since January 2013. As per experts, reasons behind dip in car sales year-over-year can be increasing fuel prices, stationary economy and job insecurity, among others. Owing to this, car manufacturers are left with very few options as they have already tried goodies and freebies like free insurance and discounts.
Now, with the expectation of giving boost to car sales, makers are going to either launch new models or upgrade existing cars. Car firms are looking at the festive season this year with lots of positive expectations. All the key players like Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Volkswagen India, and others are set to launch new cars to attract customers. Almost entire India plunges in the festive mood during the months of September, October and November. During this period every year, market tries to attract buyers as Hindus, majority in numbers, consider this duration an auspicious one to buy consumer durables.
On this trend, an auto analyst was quoted as saying, "Sales should rise about 10 per cent during the festival months but the overall sales for this financial year will still witness a drop from last year. We will need to see triggers like a decrease in fuel prices or a rise in real incomes for car sales to grow."
On the same lines, Mayank Pareek, Maruti Suzuki's Chief Operating Officer was reported saying, "There has been a dramatic increase in fuel prices. Sentiment has come down." About the 5 per cent growth forecast suggested by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, he said, "Going forward, 5 per cent won't be possible and the number will have to be revised downward." Despite all these economic limitations, car manufacturers have started working towards reaching out to customers in this festive season.
Maruti Suzuki has already released its Stingray sub-compact hatchback. It is said to be an upgraded version of WagonR. With revamped interiors and exteriors, the car features all new grille, instrument cluster and projector head lights. Set to be sold in three versions, the base version costs up to Rs. 4.09 lakh while the top end model is priced at Rs. 4.66 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi).
Joining the bandwagon, Volkswagen also launched its Cross Polo model. Sources close to the development process revealed that the car is a crossover version of its Polo sub-compact hatchback. This car with higher ground clearance and black plastic moulding around the wheel arches and bumpers is expected experience a great success in the Indian auto market. It has been equipped with a 1.2-litre engine, which is similar to the earlier version of Polo.
Some more big names that are looking to gain some momentum in this fiscal are Audi, Nissan and Skoda. The brand with four rings recently came out with a new model of Q3 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), which happens to be a lower priced version. Following the league, Nissan is also expected to accept advance orders for its new Terrano compact SUV from September, 2013 and the model will be available to customers in October, 2013. As per sources, the new version of Octavia sedan by Skoda Auto India will be available in October, 2013.
