There seems to be an aggressive marketing strategy firmly in place from Japanese car maker Honda as the Tokyo-based firm is doing everything it takes to promote the next-generation City. The domestic auto market is cluttered with speculations on the arrival of all-new Honda City. Rumour mills are consistently generating bulletins and a gush of wind from various sources are bringing some exciting perspective. Amidst this hullabaloo, if one thinks closely, then seems to be an astute strategy by Honda, much similar to the one created at the time when Ford EcoSport was about to be launched.
The advent of Ford India in the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment was marked by EcoSport. Initially, the strategy presumed by the American auto giant was to stockpile advertisements of the car, creating a string of buzzes among car aficionados. While consumers struggled to get a glimpse of Ford EcoSport at their nearest dealership, the company commenced pre-bookings of the car in showrooms across the nation. Apparently, the company was believed to deliberately delaying the launch of its compact SUV, which was a part of its tactical gambit so as to create anxiety among people.
The car was launched finally after an interlude of months and customers were crazed to finally witness the modish automobile on the road. Ford India struck the iron when it was simmering hot and dealerships across the country were swamped with bookings of the car. The figures were so mammoth that eventually the company could not manage to compensate the car's production in accordance with its demand. People saw a waiting period of 3-5 months before the car was finally delivered to them and thus, utilising the window of opportunity, Ford EcoSport's fierce rival, Renault Duster, made way for keen buyers. People gradually tended towards Renault's compact SUV and Ford could not manage to retain much of its fan base. At present, the situation has hovered again and bookings of Ford EcoSport have been ceased temporarily without any further information by the company, sources have claimed.
However, Honda would not be hindered by such situation even if it is attempting to create the same hype, as no auto manufacturer is planning to launch a new model in the mid-sized sedan segment any soon. Conjectures are evolving and domestic auto buyers are flurried as to when their optimum sedan would finally be launched. Auto experts do believe that the same circumstances, which developed at the time of Ford EcoSport's debut, will be reviving and dealerships of the company will be inundated with pre-bookings. Interestingly, as per reports, Honda has attempted the same ideology as Ford India and started unofficial bookings for the car. With the 4th generation Honda City incorporated by the latest “Earth Dream” diesel engine for the first time, fervent auto buyers are eagerly awaiting to get their hands on this car. It will be really compelling to see how Honda manages such commotion and ensures due delivery of its iconic sedan.
