Yet Another Fluidic Korean!

People in Europe know it as “The Avante” and The Americans know it by something they have given it themselves “North American car of 2012” and we know it as Verna’s cousin – The Elantra.

It’s all set to embark its second innings in India keeping in mind that first one was run out by miles, we expect the check list this time to be a bit long. Will this be able to hit the sweet spot like Verna did? Well, I am not sure…

Going by its fluidic sculpture it looks Hyundai’s very much own kid. It has got everything in right proportions for a head turner. The sweeping layered headlamp looks like those in the Verna and is very attractive. The hexagonal front grill has now become the trademark of the fluidic design. On the rear too; the story is pretty similar with high waist line with a hint of curve down. The most peculiar thing about its looks is its tail lamp, sweeping all through its side like a water fall in to a river. It has got the best tail lamps in the segment category.

On the outside the inspiration from Verna and Sonata like design has worked well but with the interiors it’s not the same story. It seems like their inspiration was Eon. Quite simply it looks like it has got stretched interiors from Eon. It’s catastrophic. Even the graphics on your instrument cluster are not either modern or pleasant.

Just to make you feel special, India is the only country in the world to have a diesel motor option. Probably because without diesel it would have been like going to an Italian restaurant and asking for kebab. Because if you do that, Sonata will be the answer!

Talking about what it gets underneath is the same motor from Verna and specs are pretty similar too; 126 horses of power and 260 NM of torque. The ride quality is really good, it nimble around like cheese. But it lacks something, something that has to do with the feeling of joy, something that you get while driving its competitors. Plus when you start cruising at high speeds and the going gets either fast or twisty its back starts waggling. And the good bit is that it comes loaded with features such as Automatic climate control with individual climate settings, ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable driver seat, cruise control, ESP and 6 air bags taking care about your safety. Real ac vents and music control are nice touches.

The product is there with a combative price but surely we need more of that as far as marketing and promotions are concerned to make it the signature of success. The buzz is still not hitting the glass like it did in case of 3 series. Hyundai has a lot more to face in terms of Brand homage and fidelity of Toyota with the Altis and The canny speedster of the diesel-rocket Cruze along the persistence of Jetta and Laura waiting to compete. The segment has seen a slowdown in terms of numbers where the stalwarts such as Altis/Cruze are doing below average numbers. Will the new Elantra resurrect the fortunes of the segment and those of Hyundai? Only time will tell. There is so much do, words are just not enough!

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

THE NEW ULTIMAT3 DRIVING MACHINE!

BMW was very clear to go all guns with the new 3 series. With Audi challenging its leadership position, BMW had to present its ACE as an answer. There would no better time to launch the 6^th gen 3-series. Since its inception in 1975, 3-series has been the most sold BMW of all time. With every edition  the 3-series was generations ahead of its predecessor. The same stands true for the new 3-series. It is longer, wider and sharper – Hence, “Superior by Evolution”! With an absolute winner in hand BMW ensured that it doesn’t leave any stone unturned before its launch.

An India Centric 360 degree campaign was designed & executed by Liquid Campaign India. German agency Contra & Weareflink were the production partners of Liquid Campaign India for the TVC. It was the first time in its presence in last 5 years the Bavarian Auto maker had tried something this big in India. Be it usage of QR codes, or a website to educate on the evolution or the teaser campaigns in print/media – it was magnanimous! The results were similar too – BMW received more than 500 bookings before the launch itself.

Certainly the promotions have been outstanding; and the looks as well - with the chisel front headlamps it looks mesmerizingly brilliant. And of course since it’s a BMW you’d expect it to be a driver’s car - something that will put a big smile on your face when you press on the hammer. It’s a rare charisma of thrill and performance that only a few cars can make you feel like that. So with the new BMW 3 you expect it to take a leap forward from its predecessor. But looking at the old 3 series you would think how it could possibly be better. 

With looks and interior it has gone miles when compared to the old one. Especially the one in the 328i, with those red stripes on the dash along with the distinctive metallic black. You get that touch of red even on your key. Rounded binnacle is replaced with a freestanding display. i-drive had move beside the gear lever and all this makes interiors very much symmetrical. The only think you could ask for is a paddle shift gear option. Never mind BMW has kept it for the 7^th generation ;)

Talking about its performance and drivability you would expect it to be driver concentric. Since it’s a BMW, it’s meant to be a driver’s car in the first place. But here is a bit of smug for those who really want to throw it around corners and smoke some rubber as this new 3 series is way too smooth it’s actually like redefining comfort with the 8 speed gearbox. With 181 Bhp and lighter than the earlier 3 series it should be faster.

Another ace is the brand ambassador - The God of cricket meets the goddess of power and speed. It is a match made in heaven which can’t get better.

Do we really need more reasons? That is what BMW’s character is all about and 3 series is as iconic as ever. No car could ever produce a combination of luxury and performance the way BMW does!

A 3 is a 3 - SH33R DRIVING PL3ASUR3!

India specific Ad -

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

Indian Car Sales Figures - July 2012

July 2012 Sales Figures - Pan India

HIGHLIGHTS:

·     1) Maruti Suzuki approaching Vaastu consultants to solve Manesar problem – the situation rightly requires so! The nation’s biggest automaker is facing one of the worst labor issues in the Indian manufacturing scene. The losses is in tune of crores and has not only affected MS, but has also made foreign investors reconsider to enter/invest in India. Manesar’s produce – Swift & Dzire has been worst hit with reduction in their offtake. The figures for Aug’12 would be still shoddier! (An unconfirmed news also mentions that the sprawling 600 acres of land on which the Manesar plant has been constructed, is said to have once served as a Muslim burial ground. Three temples, which existed in the 600 acres were demolished to set up the plant. – I wonder how this news have surfaced at this point of time J )

·     2) However, the positive for MS has been its LUV (Life Utility Vehicle) – Ertiga. It should be better named as LSV (Life Saving Vehicle – especially for Maruti!). Ertiga has clocked its highest offtake till date with 7091 numbers. It is growing stronger month-on-month and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the Top 5 within next 2 months.

·     3) Eeco volumes have gone down scaringly low. It is appalling to see how a vehicle grossing an average of 4.5k numbers have come down to 930 nos! Even the A-star fares worse than the 800 (A-star: 583 nos vs Maruti 800: 1411 nos!). The real disappointment has been SX4 – 679 offtake for this capable product is just not digestable.

·     4) Tata is seriously hurt – M&M overtaking Tata for the 3^rd position in the passenger car market during June’12 is a stern indication on how Tata could lose its position if not acted quick. However, the response from Tata is satisfactory for the moment – Sumo Indica family & Indigo family contributing for the majority numbers. Sumo Gold has again been a trump card for Tata in gaining the numbers in UV segment. The hatchback & sedan market seems too volatile – Hence, would Tata be able to sustain with the Indica & Indigo productline? I assume not – with a new compact SUV from M&M on the cards, we wouldn’t be shocked to see M&M permanently overtaking Tata in passenger car market. The solidarity in SUV growth has also backed M&M as of now.

·     5) Who could have predicted that Verna sale could be higher than Santro/Eon sales an year back! That exactly exhibits the shift in today’s consumer preference – a product can perform exceedingly well if it could exemplify “Value for money”. This holds true for vehicles in all categories! – Just imagine BMW bagging over 500 bookings for its new 3-series even before its launch.. Even Audi had achieved similar feat with its Q3 – achieved 500 booking within 5 days of its launch.

·     6) One always wonders – where does all these Boleros go??? That’s the power of Rural India. Bolero never fails to impress us with its consistency. It would be the only product in the Indian Automotive history to date to exude such popularity & acceptance – the same is evident in its sales numbers, month-on-month!

·     7) XUV500 in Top 20? YES! With production ramping up, don’t be surprised to see it surpass Scorpio’s number as well. With the opening of bookings all India, the product has garnered similar euphoria what it had achieved during its initial launch!

·     8) Indians just love NOVELTY – don’t believe me? Then take this – 12000 bookings for the newly launched Duster. The love for SUVs has again gripped Indian consumers – Duster just hitting the sweet spot. The next challenge is to ramp up supply as per demand and also expand its (Renault) dealer network.

·     9) Honda again is inconsistent – hence too difficult to rightly asses its performance.

·     10) Skoda is on a spree to reduce its dealers stocks – the number exactly explains the point with over 50% degrowth M-o-M. However, Fabia is reeling to maintain required volumes – not deserved for a product this well.

      A list of Top 20 Brands of the month -

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 -

Indian Car Sales Figures - May 2012

May 2012 Sales Figures - Pan India

A list of Top 20 Brands of the month - 

Product Life Cycle - Automotive

Does Product Life Cycle means anything in the Indian Automotive Space?

'Tried & Tested' - the most important attribute affecting the purchase decision of Indian consumer. Don't believe me? - have you ever seen the santros, the indicas, the altos and the boleros proudly plying on Indian roads and with increased numbers everytime you step on road. Maruti 800 still is sought after by many Indian homes and we do not see any automobile replacing its legacy.

Product Life Cycle defines that at a certain age the product grows to its peak, later it reaches saturation level and after some time it slowly phases out of the market. When you analyse this theory in the Indian automotive industry, you surely would be amazed by the uniqueness - consider Mahindras 'Bolero' which was launched over 12 years back still manages to easily outperform its young competitors. The story ain't very different in case of Maruti's Alto as well - launched way back in 2000 and emerges as the world's best selling car in 2011!

I have seen a person purchase a Hyundai Santro 3 times in his life! Every time he liquidates his old Santro - no other brand makes space in his consideration set else than a Santro again. And this ain't a special case - many Indian households have the same story.

But anythings changed recently? With over 30 new launches in past 2 years and many international OEMs jumping the bandwagon - has given a plethora of choices to the Indian consumer. Gone are the days where we had only padmini's, 800's or amby's available in the kitty. You and me are now spoilt for choices - and boy we love new cars! The younger generation is demanding freshness and novelty - this would spark and make the game more competitive. Can this change the nature of the Indian automotive scenario? - I say YES.