Auto makers in the Indian market are eagerly waiting for the year 2014 to arrive, hoping for change in fortunes. 2013 has been pretty poor for almost all companies operating in India due to several reasons. Sluggish demand, reluctance of customers, soaring fuel prices, rise in cost inputs and economic crisis are factors that have combined to cause a lot of trouble to firms. Due to tough market conditions, companies have witnessed fall in sales, production stoppages and inventory pile-up. However, experts believe that 2014 has the potential to turnaround things for the Indian automobile industry in general. According to sources, a number of exciting models are expected to be launched in India in 2014. It is a known fact that introduction of new products is the best way to battle adversities in the car market. This can be proven by the performances of Honda Amaze, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Trade analysts, on their part, have tried to make a list of cars that can register good sales in 2014.
India's largest passenger car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, has experienced a pretty low-key 2013, considering its standards. Market conditions have troubled even the number one brand in the country as the firm registered fall in sales for November. Experts, on the other hand, feel that this is a one-off occurrence and is not likely to take place in the future. Also, Maruti Suzuki has a few launches lined-up for 2014, which might further increase its market share. One of the most anticipated models that are expected to launch next year is XA Alpha compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), which was showcased as a concept vehicle at Auto Expo 2012. Demand for cars in this segment has been rising constantly and Maruti Suzuki is hoping to capitalise on this. Design of this model is expected to be based on Indian martial arts and wrestling. Also, XA Alpha SUV, likely to be available in petrol and diesel variants, is expected to carry a price tag below Rs. 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The Suzuki owned car maker is also expected to launch the YL1 sedan, which will replace the SX4 model. As per experts, both these cars are going to raise the bar of competition in their respective segments.
One automobile company that would be desperately hoping for some good luck is Tata Motors. Considered to be one of the biggest brands in the country, the Indian firm has been going through a rough phase as sales have dropped significantly. In order to change this, the auto maker has decided to revamp its line-up by introducing models with new design architecture. Nano, by far, has been the most talked about car from Tata Motors in the recent past due to its poor performance. Touted as the next big thing at the time of its launch, Nano has been unable to live up to expectations. It is being said that Tata Motors is going to introduce the diesel version of Nano in 2014, hoping for a better response. Reports have suggested that demand for diesel cars is rising in the country, something that might benefit the Tata Nano.
Japanese car maker Nissan turned a lot of heads in India when it unveiled Go hatchback from Datsun brand. Slated to enter showrooms in 2014, the entry of Go will mark the beginning of Nissan's attempt to revive Datsun, something that it intends to do by targeting emerging markets across the globe. This hatchback, when launched in India, is going to compete directly with Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. Nissan, reportedly, has manufactured this car using highly cost-effective techniques, which will help in employing an aggressive pricing strategy.
While Nissan would be looking to make a mark, fellow Japanese firm Honda would be entering 2014 on the back of a superb performance in terms of sales and popularity. Honda has been the stand out performer in India as far as the passenger car segment is concerned, continuously clocking growth. While its competitors have been trying to overcome slow demand and economic crisis, the Japanese auto giant has faced shortage of supply. Analysts have claimed that this is likely to continue in 2014 as the firm will launch multiple new cars in India. The first entrant in 2014 will be the next-generation City, which was showcased in November. According to reports, pre-bookings for this car have already begun and it is slated to be a huge success. Both experts and officials from Honda are betting high on City diesel to be a game changer. The Tokyo-based company will also launch Mobilio, the Brio-based Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), by the first half of 2014, sources have claimed. Considering the rising demand for utility vehicles in India, Mobilio could do really well. Sources claim that the onslaught of launches is not going to stop at Mobilio as Honda could also introduce new Jazz hatchback in India.
The luxury car segment of the Indian car market has performed reasonably well in 2013. According to officials from various firms, demand for high-end vehicles has been increasing in India. Mercedes-Benz, the German giant, has enjoyed a fantastic 2013 in terms of sales. The Daimler-owned firm launched multiple models this year, which included the likes of E-Class, A-Class, B-Class, E63 AMG and SLK 55 AMG. Hoping to continue its good show in India, the brand with the three-pointed star will introduce new S-Class in India.
Jeep, although a highly-acclaimed model in the international market, is not so popular in India. Known for manufacturing top class utility vehicles, the Chrysler LLC-owned brand will be entering the Indian market in 2014 by launching Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models. It is expected that the auto maker is going to showcase both these models at Auto Expo 2014.
