THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Every other car site or blog is talking about the newly launched Renault duster.. Isnt it ??

So shall we make a difference here..   We are going to talk about its success… Yes it is already a success for Renault. As the marketing rule about 4p’s is concerned it has got it as cleanly as possible. Talking about the product first, it has got 3 engine options to cater a larger customer base with  Petrol and 2 Diesel options churning out 84 and 103 bhp respectively with 20.4 and 25.8 kgm of torque. Come to pricing and it’s as aggressive as ever with petrol starting 7.2L and 7.99L (ex-showroom Delhi). This is the era where a top end Volkswagen polo Diesel costs 7.5 L. That is what so peculiar about its pricing and There goes the promotions that say “apologies to all who just bought a sedan”. Perfect. We must admit!

Renault has managed to get a new segment for itself which could turn heads from a premium hatch as well as from an entry level sedan and obviously suv since it’s slighter faster than the almighty XUV500 due to its low kerb weight of 1308kg.

Renault Duster @ Auto Expo

We are not done yet; another positive vibe is that it has got 3000 pre launch bookings which is a decent number. Again there are attributes which make this a successful product and embarks a new voyage for Renault in Indian market. Especially when we see there is hardly been any SUV which didn't work in our country except a few, which is acceptable. Since we all love suv’s , maybe because of our road and driving style. Renault has got a perfect market so it will surely get first mover advantage and it has got a mesmerizing blend of a successful product. You just cant ask for more.

The only thing worrying is the low network strength of Renault (only 53 dealers all India) and the Logan ghost haunting it time and again. Renault needs to be cautioned in every step - as even the slightest mistake can cost them dear. 

As the name goes Duster, it’s time to prove its mettle and protect its name! 

(Author - Anshul Chawla - Is an automobile enthusiast who love and live cars! Can be ignited at anshul_chawla@live.com)

Indian Car Sales Figures - June 2012

June 2012 Sales Figures - Pan India

HIGHLIGHTS: 

·          1)  Alto back on top; but with a figure less than 30k doesn’t suit it. All thanks to the steepest hike in petrol a month back and also to the weak sentiments among the first time car buyers. But, does that effect Swift/Dzire – a big NO. Both the models with their Diesel variant is bringing the numbers for the company. I’m sure the way Dzire has got the response – if supplied well, would overtake Swift figures someday (we all know how value conscious Indian Market is!). WagonR with a mere ~10k numbers proves the point again – non-availability of a diesel variant can hamper the overall volumes. SX4, A-star & Estilo are almost on their ‘Decline’ stage – the sale of Maruti 800 is more than these models (with only BS3 available)!

·           2) Figo figures is consistently falling down since past 3 months – a BIGG problem for Ford. I believe it is the right time to bring Ecosport in the market. It was just a month back Ford’s 999cc eco-boost engine won the best engine award. Ecosport seems the only option to revive Ford’s fortune (similar to what Figo had done)

·           3) GM has lost its SPARK – quite literally! Even though being such a wonderful proposition Spark volumes remain a disappointment – whom to blame?? Obviously PETROL prices J Whereas Beat (diesel) has been the lifesaver for Chevy.

·          4) It is very awkward to see the Tavera sale going down – right since the Neo BS4 has been launched! The availability of BS4 in Tavera was speculated to boost its volumes, not decrease it!

·          5)  There needs to be a serious re-structuring in the Sales Planning team of Honda! The company has seen the most irregular vehicle billing in the past 15 months. Hard to digest Jazz and Brio doing mere ~600 numbers.

·           6) Scorpio numbers is the lowest in past 13 months! This has happened in a month where the mighty muscular celebrated its decade of dominance – its 10^th Birthday. Verito numbers @ 444 leaves us thinking about the possibility of a new model coming in the future. XUV 500 puts the C+ sedans to shame with the numbers it’s achieving (in the same price point).

·           7) i20 overtaking i10 sales – Possible? Surely YES! And that too with a hefty 1500 difference J Reason – As mentioned earlier, thanks to our Petroleum Minister. And even the fluidic Verna is 240 odd numbers behind i10!

·           8) Tata figures have nothing to talk about except disappointment. Aria does lesser than a only-petrol available CR-V. Indica & Indigo family has seen its worst performance in the year. Nano is still in its search of finding its true identity. The only breather remains Sumo which backed with Sumo Gold variant has done an average figure of over 2300 offtake.

·           9) Did someone mention the uniqueness of the Indian Car Market??? If not then analyze this – Fabia numbers is lower than that of Laura & Rapid! And Rapid volumes is higher than that of its older sibling Vento!

·           10) Nissan shines with its Sunny side again. Not to mention its excellent ~3000 offtake.

·           11) In a country obsessed with mileage, Audi Q3 garners 500 bookings in just 5 days! With this Audi becomes the fastest growing luxury brand in India and also the world. The German luxury carmaker has reported a 43 per cent growth in sales during the first half of the year, with total sales of 4,000 cars in the January to June 2012 period. In the corresponding period last year, Audi India had clocked sales of 2,802 units.  

A list of Top 20 Brands of the month -