The Indian auto market is set to witness several enticing new members in 2013 across many segments from small compacts and Utility Vehicles (UV) to premium luxury cars. Many top global automotive players, such as Hyundai Motors, Renault, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Volkswagen, Chevrolet and Ford have all revealed intentions to introduce their new products in the Indian car market.
Heading list is the South Korean car maker – Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), also the country's largest exporter of passenger cars. It is anticipated that HMIL is going to introduce a new range of premium hatchbacks comprising i15, i30 and i45 models. The Hyundai i15 and i30 are expected to carry retail values around Rs. 5 lacs and Rs. 6 lacs, respectively and could be launched somewhere in first half of 2013 in the country. The Hyundai i45, a brand new executive sedan is pegged by industry experts to lend a helping hand to sister Elantra saloon, in consolidating the South Korean auto giant's dominance in Indian car market. The i45 could carry a price tag close to Rs. 15 lacs frame and is expected to hit Indian shores by September 2013.
Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a part of the American auto major Ford Motor Co., has pinned great hopes with its yet-to-be launched compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) EcoSport in the domestic market. The car maker will be looking towards capitalising on the current shift towards compact SUVs among Indian car aficionados. The immense popularity of Renault Duster and Mahindra Quanto compact SUV in the country seems to have fuelled FIPL's ambitious plan of launching Ford EcoSport at a competitive price. In all fairness, domestic car enthusiasts must be eagerly waiting for the upcoming compact SUV's launch, which is expected somewhere in the first quarter of 2013.
The Indian arm of Audi, well appreciated German automobile marque, is expected to introduce its most basic product, the Q1 compact SUV in domestic market by September 2013. In a similar turnout, Audi's stiffest rival and fellow German auto maker BMW has announced to launch its 1 Series range of premium vehicles in the first half of 2013. It is going to be interesting to see how the two similar products fare against each other, upon their launch in the country.
Volkswagen too are working towards bringing the Golf hatchback at a price close to Rs. 6 lacs in the Indian market by end of 2013. The German auto maker has also announced to launch an entry-level 'Up' compact car in the country as well. The Volkswagen Up hatchback will compete against the likes of Hyundai i10, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, A-Star and Ford Figo amongst others, upon its launch in the Indian market.
