From the desk of Strategic Resources For any query, discussion or feedback, please contact Pavan Chandra, Head of Strategic Resources at pchandra@zenithoptimediaindia.com, +91-124-4195100. Office Address : 10th Floor, Vatika Tower, Block-B, Sector 54 Gurgaon -122002, Haryana, India.

Volume: X

January, 2008

 

home

Cars

Share Prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and Market Share

 

 

..

 

 

11. Maruti, Hyundai, GM Power Ahead In Sales – January 03

2007 records a mixed response for the automobile industry

Year 2007 ended with a mixed response for the car companies. Some passenger car companies such as Maruti Suzuki India and General Motors reported a rise in sales whereas other companies such as Honda Siel, Tata Motors and Mahindra witnessed a dip.  In December 2007 Maruti’s sold 58,401 units, a 6.9% increase from December 2006. The company’s A3 segment grew the fastest at 54.7% at 3,291 units due to buoyant sales of SX4. With the launch of i10, Hyundai Motors India’s sales increased by 18.17 % to 13,078 units.  For the same period, Honda Siel’s sold 3,363 units, a 18.07% decrease from December 2006.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line

 

 

 

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

 

 

12. Various Reports On Tata’s Small Car: ‘Nano’

Nano’s launch may depress two-wheeler prices: ASSOCHAM – January 11

According to a quick survey of 250 CEOs by ASSOCHAM, Tata's small car 'Nano' may lead to a 20% reduction in prices of two-wheelers and a 35% decline in prices of second-hand cars. The Tata’s are expected to give a stiff challenge to two-wheeler manufactures, which would be forced to go in for product and technology innovation. Nearly 70% respondents stated that Nano should be able to capture the largest market size of over 50% in the next 3-4 years while the current market size of budget car manufactures would witness a reversal in metros and large towns.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

Tata’s Nano may expand market by 65%: CRISIL – January 12

According to rating agency CRISIL, Tata Nano’s launch could expand the Indian car market by 65%, as the low price car will be affordable for families with incomes of Rs 1 lakh per annum. The increase in the market is expected to push up car sales by 20% in 2008 compared to 2007. CRISIL research states that the launch will prompt other players to enter the mini car category over the next few years. These launches will entice a section of two-wheeler owners (currently nearly 50 million) to upgrade to cars. CRISIL has prepared these estimates by projecting the income demographic transition pattern in India and the cost of ownership of existing and new entry level cars.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

Nano will drive Tata Motors to top position: CSM Worldwide – January 14

According to a study by German research firm CSM Worldwide, Tata's Nano will drive the company as the country's biggest light vehicle manufacturer by 2013. The study stated that Tata Motors would bring out nearly 1.2 million light vehicles (LVs) per annum till 2013, of which Nano alone would contribute more than 50% and will help Tata in increasing its stake in the segment. Ultra low-cost vehicles such as Nano will also help in bringing new buyers to the market. The study also projected that by 2013, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai will retain the top three positions in the LV sales in India at 12, 10 and 4 lakh units respectively. It also added that by 2013, India would become the largest producer of light vehicles in the world, contributing approximately 16.7% to the total global sales, followed by China at 12.3%.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

Product Launches

 

 

13. Product Launches At Auto Expo 2008

Tata Motors Unveils the Rs 1 Lakh ‘Nano’ Car – January 11

On 11 January, 2008, Tata Motors unveiled its peoples’ car – Tata Nano at Auto Expo 2008. The standard model of the car has been priced at Rs 1 lakh excluding transportation and VAT.  The official launch of the Nano would be by September-October 2008.

 

GM, HML, Mitsubishi and Others Announce Launch of New Vehicles – January 10

Day one of ninth Auto Expo 2008 witnessed the launch and unveiling of several new cars in different segments. While General Motors launched its premium SUV Chevrolet Captiva, Mitsubishi Motors and Hindustan Motors Ltd (HML) jointly unveiled four models. Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd (FIAPL) unveiled Linea, Grande Punto, Fiat 500 and Bravo, its proposed offerings for the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz launched a C-Class model, while Volkswagen announced the launch of Jetta, which would be available in showrooms by mid-2008. Maruti Suzuki also unveiled its Concept A-Star and Splash Concept cars.

 

 

 

14. Bajaj Unveils Low-Cost Car On LITE Platform – January 09

BAL unveils the prototype of its low-cost car LITE in New Delhi – January 09

On 8 January, 2008, Bajaj Auto Ltd. (BAL), which had announced a tie-up with Renault of France for exploring the possibility of developing a compact passenger car, unveiled the prototype of its low-cost car called LITE in New Delhi. According to Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto (BAL), the company has a 2-4 year time frame and the prototype of the low-cost car is expected to be launched by 2010.

 

 

 

15. Upgraded Version Of Rhino Launched – January 07

On 7 January, 2008, The International Cars and Motors Ltd (ICML) launched the upgraded version of its 100 bhp Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) 'Rhino Rx', with prices starting from Rs 6 lakh.

 

 

 

16. Mahindra Launches Special Edition Bolero – January 03

On 2 January, 2008, automobile maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd launched a special edition of its sports utility vehicle Bolero in New Delhi. The company will sell only 1,000 units of this edition in the country.

 

 

 

17. Proposed Product Launches

Volkswagen’s Beetle to enter India – January 12

On 11 January, 2008, Volkswagen, a German car maker, announced that its retro small car Beetle would enter the Indian market by April-May 2008. The car will be available in 1.9 litre TDI diesel variant as early as April-May 2008.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

Fiat to bring Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari to India – January 10

With an aim to reposition the Fiat brand in India, the Italian company has decided to introduce its luxury brands in India. Alfa Romeo would be launched first in 2008, followed by the Maserati and finally the Ferrari. The company is in discussion with Tata Motors on dealership and distribution of these brands.

 

Source: The Economic Times

 

 

 

Honda Siel to 'Jazz' in 2009 – January 10

On 10 January, 2008, car maker Honda Siel announced its plans to enter the small-car segment with the launch of 'Jazz' in 2009.

 

Source: The Economic Times