The Indian passenger car market witnessed a number of exciting launches in 2012, such as Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Duster, Mahindra Quanto and Alto 800 amongst others. The vehicles stormed through their respective segments and helped their makers in recording great numbers in total unit sales. Buoyed by the breakthrough new launches, several top auto makers operating on Indian turf have line up some of their top-of-the-line products for launch in the country next year.
Speaking about the most anticipated car launches of 2013, Maruti Suzuki's automatic variant of Ritz premium hatchback has generated the maximum interest among local car aficionados. The Ritz AT hatch is expected to see its Indian launch somewhere in later half of January 2013 and could carry retail price tags around Rs. 5 to 7 lakhs. Further, upcoming Ritz AT will pose some stiff competition against the likes of Honda Brio AT and Hyundai i10 AT.
Further, Ford EcoSport compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is another captivating product, whose launch proceedings are followed by many Indians, who have a thing for adventurous off-roading activities. Upon its entry in domestic utility vehicle market, the EcoSport will take on the likes of segment contenders – Renault Duster, Mahindra Quanto and Premier Rio. From initial spy shots circulating on the internet, the Ford EcoSport looks like a powerful beast in a compact guise and rumours suggest it is going to feature the American auto major's critically acclaimed EcoBoost powertrain under-its-hood.
Tata Motors, the country's largest automobile maker, is also working towards developing its own compact SUV based on its Vista premium hatch as confirmed by ACI. The Vista based SUV seems like the company's another desperate attempt at luring domestic buyers to its retail outlets. The hype behind Ford EcoSport has overshadowed all other products in the compact SUV segment but Tata's Vista based model is anticipated to carry an attractive introductory price tag. Hence, Tata's brand name along with an enticing pricing could certainly help the company in recording decent sales in the Indian auto market.
Ford Motor's fellow American player, General Motors has also lined up its Chevrolet Enjoy Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for entry in the Indian passenger car market. The yet-to-be launched Chevy Enjoy will compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and Nissan Evalia, upon its launch in the country.
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited, the country's leading utility vehicle maker, is working on the brand development and marketing strategy of its E20 electric compact hatch, whose slated launch in Indian market is in the first half of 2013. The E20 was originally unveiled to Indian audience under the moniker – Reva NXR at the Auto Expo held in New Delhi last January 2012. The Mahindra E20 is expected to be launched in the country with an introductory price tag around Rs. 5 to 5.5 lakhs.
