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05. Spiralling Prices, Liquidity Crunch Put Brakes On Passenger Car Sales

11 June, 2008

 

The picture is getting clearer now. Despite a cumulative 9% growth in May compared to the same month last year, the automobile industry is showing signs of slowing down. Passenger car sales growth dropped 14.26% in May against April’s 21% while the two-wheeler sales remained flat on a sequential basis.

 

Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motors posted a healthy increase in May compared to last year while Ford India sales dipped 34% to 2,003 vehicles, Mahindra Renault sales went down 45% to 1,531 cars and Honda Siel Car India figures took an 18% knock. In the two-wheeler segment, Bajaj Auto’s overall sales slipped 0.72% to 1.31 lakh units while Kinetic Motors sales declined 6% to 3,588 units. The total two-wheeler sales stood at 6.47 lakh units in May. In 2006-08, the market size for two-wheelers has reduced from 6.69 lakh units (May 2006) to 6.05 lakh units (May 2007).

 

“The actual market for two-wheelers has remained stagnant. There has not been any virtual growth and the demand is actually going down. The next few months are crucial for the auto industry, two wheelers in particular,” said a Mumbai-based auto analyst.

 

Industry leaders say rising inflation and acute liquidity crunch for auto finance is likely to impact growth in the next few months, too. “Banks are averse to financing new vehicles. Most banks and financial institutions have reduced exposure and retail budgets. We are now working with several regional banks to increase availability of finance in the market,” said a senior executive of Maruti Suzuki India.

 

According to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), sales of buses and commercial three-wheelers were also negative in May compared to the same month last fiscal.

 

They decelerated 5.42% to 4,721 buses and 10.62% to 19,224 three-wheelers, respectively.

 

 

 

Car, Two-Wheeler Sales Go Up In May

3 June, 2008

 

Sales of cars and two wheelers in India have gone up in May 2008. Maruti Suzuki has announced a growth of 16 percent in sales at 69,000 units. Hyundai Motor India has announced a growth of 51 percent at 40,261 units. Tata Motors has announced a growth of nine percent in sales of passenger cars at 19,234 units. General Motors India has announced a growth of seven percent at 5,789 units. Hero Honda has announced a growth of 9.5 percent in sales at 3.12 lakh motorcycles. Bajaj Auto has announced a growth of eight percent at 1.79 lakh units.

 

 

 

 

06. Maruti To Focus On Rural Areas To Rev Up Car Sales

10 June, 2008

 

Passenger car leader Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is now moving into the hinterland to rev up its car sales across the country. After securing its foothold in urban and semi-urban markets, it has launched a pan-India campaign — Mera Sapna Meri Maruti — to tap the vast potential of the rural market.

 

The strategy is backed by the past year’s massive success. The company had generated 10% of its domestic sales (32,000 cars) from its 6-month pilot project for the rural market. MSI executive officer (sales and marketing) Mayank Pareek said: “The signs of economic development are becoming more visible in rural India. We have a strong brand value there and a vast chunk of prospective car buyers prefers Maruti products. With tremendous growth in rural infrastructure, the demand for cars is going up and we are trying to tap that potential.”

 

As inflationary pressures and rising interest costs have dampened demand in the urban pockets, Maruti aims to position itself as the first mover in villages. “As per our data, 63.5% of rural buyers buy cars in cash where as only 30% buy in cash in metros. Unlike the urban market, rural areas are more insulated from monetary fluctuations and have a more stable demand,” said a senior MSI executive.

 

To increase finance penetration for rural customers and offer flexible loans linked to the harvesting season, Maruti has roped in a large number of regional rural banks as its partners. It has also tied up with bigger finance companies like Magma Shrachi Finance, Shriram Finance, the State Bank of India and M&M Finance Services, who specialise in rural financing.

 

The company is offering additional cash discounts of Rs 5,000 on entry-level car Maruti 800, Rs 3,000 on Omni and Rs 2,000 on its other smaller cars for rural customers. Under its sales strategy, it has also developed a network of 1,500 rural dealers’ sales executives for marketing in villages and develop contacts with 2.1-lakh strong panchayat representatives, who have strong influence in rural areas.  

Other auto majors are also stepping on the gas. Hyundai Motor, for instance, has launched a promotional scheme ‘Ghar Ghar Ki Pehchaan’ for panchayat functionaries and government employees in villages whereas the largest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda, plans to start a new marketing vertical for rural areas. Other players like M&M, Pune-based two wheeler maker Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor have also launched special marketing schemes for rural markets.

 

 

 

07. New Cars Pollute More Than Old Ones: Study

3 June, 2008

 

In a complete reversal of international trends, new cars in India are spewing more greenhouse gases than older models, pushing up emissions in Delhi alone by 72% in five years (2002-07), the Centre for Science and Environment said on Monday, releasing its analysis of emission data accessed from the Automotive Research Association of India.

 

Emissions from two-wheelers in the same period, in comparison, have gone up by 61%, the analysis said. For the consumer, this might be a pointer to deteriorating fuel efficiency of new cars as well - emissions of carbondioxide are closely linked to the fuel efficiency of vehicles.

 

The ARAI had clubbed data of vehicles of different periods that CSE accessed. The cars and two-wheelers had been classified into groups ranging from 1991-96, 1996-2000, post-2000 and post-2005.

 

The post-2000 petrol cars, with engine size more than 1,400cc, emit 143gm/km of CO². In comparison, post-2005 models of same engine size emit 173gm/km, CSE said. Extrapolating the emission statistics for fuel efficiency, the centre said the figures implied that fuel economy had dropped in these cars from 16km/litre to 13km/litre.

 

But Anumita Roychowdhury, of CSE's Right to Clean Air Campaign, said, "This data is extrapolation... The ministry of surface transport has refused to share actual data."

 

Auto manufacturers share fuel economy data for car models at the time of certification of new vehicles with the government. "But the ministry withheld this information under the Right to Information Act, calling it of commercial importance and third-party information. This data is routinely published in other countries to help consumers select fuel-efficient vehicles and help governments set up fuel-economy standards," she added.

 

"At a time when we are talking of an oil crisis, it is callous for the government and industry to not even share data on fuel efficiency with the public," said Roychowdhury.

 

 

 

08. CarSalesIndia.com and MyTVS, a Unit of TVS Group, Launches a Search Engine for Used Cars

12 June, 2008

 

MyTVS a part of the renowned TVS Group providing Quality Used Cars and CarSalesIndia.com have entered into an agreement to list all MyTVS Used cars online. Now a car buyer doesn’t have to visit numerous dealer places to find the right quality used car.

Speaking on this occasion, Chairman of CarSalesIndia.com Mr Samuel Jeyakumar said, "We are happy that MyTVS cars are onboard in CarSalesIndia.com. We are committed to provide quality cars to our buyers and at the same time bring valued car buyers to MyTVS"

CarSalesIndia.com is one of India’s leading car portal empowering its users to make the best choice by providing industries best tools to compare, research and buy cars. More than 2 Lakh car search hits were recorded in May, 2008 in CarSalesIndia.com, and with over 400 cars from over 28 branches of MyTVS listed online; there is no better place for a used car buyer to go now.

 

MyTVS provides other value added services such as All Car Service, 24x7 Emergency Roadside Assistance and more. After buying a used car there is no turning back, details on a car such as accident history, Parts originality and owner history is always a matter of worry for the used car buyer. With MyTVS quality used cars; a customer can have peace of mind, and trust the TVS brand and quality of service while buying a used car.

Visit http://www.carsalesindia.com to view all MyTVS cars.

 

 

 

09. Hyundai Launches Optional Extended Warranty Scheme For Its Customers News

26 May, 2008

 

India's largest passenger car exporter, Hyundai Motor India, has launched two extended warranty schemes for its privileged customers, the first of its kind in the country. The Power Train and Comprehensive Extended warranty schemes, valid for a period of five years will be available for customers of the Hyundai i10, Santro, Getz Prime (petrol), Accent and the Verna versions.

 

The Korean car maker says that the schemes will ensure Hyundai cars owners to avail maximum warranty for their cars with minimal cost implications. The Comprehensive Extended Warranty scheme is a complete protection scheme for the car, covering mechanical, electrica, and other parts including the engine and transmission, for a period off five years or 100,000km whichever is earlier.

 

The Power Train warranty, is ideal for customers who do not want a full comprehensive warranty covering the entire car. The scheme will cover the engine and transmission parts at a minimal cost for a period of five years or 100,000km which ever occurs earlier.

 

Hyundai Motor India, seniro GM, customer care service, HMIL, B Mani said ''It has always been our endeavor to provide innovative products and service to our customers which suit their needs and lifestyle. And this Extended Warranty Scheme will only add to the levels of customer satisfaction for our customers and emphasizes our commitment to our values and products.''

 

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea, is the second largest car manufacturer in India. Currently, HMIL markets 30 variants of passenger cars across segments, including the Santro in the B segment, the Getz Prime and the i10 in the B+ segment, the Accent and the Verna in the C segment, the Sonata Embera in the E segment and the Tucson in the SUV segment.

 

Hyundai Motor India registered total sales of 327,160 vehicles in 2007, an increase of 9.2 per cent compared to the previous year. In the domestic market it accounted for an increase of 7.6 per cent with 200,412 units, as compared to 2006 while overseas sales grew by 11.8 per cent, with exports of 126,748 units.  

 

 

10. Hyundai Introduces CNG Variant Of 'Accent'

9 June, 2008

 

Country's second largest carmaker Hyundai Motor India on Monday introduced CNG variant of its mid-size sedan 'Accent', which will be costlier by Rs 56,500 than the existing version.

 

The new Accent would be available in dual fuel mode - petrol and CNG, the company said in a statement. The current petrol version is available for Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

"The dual fuel Accent will use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternate fuel. The Accent comes with a 1.5 litre petrol engine which without any modification is compatible with CNG," it added.

 

HMI has tied up with the leading Korean CNG kit supplier CEV, who would provide all the components of the fitment.

 

"The kit is not only safe but with an advanced Lambda control system ensures that it meets the Euro III emission norms," it said.

 

Last year HMIL had introduced a CNG variant for its flagship model - Santro. It is currently planning to launch the LPG variants across all categories, which would be started with Santro in August.

 

Initially, CNG Accent would be launched in Delhi and the NCR in collaboration with CEV India.

 

"The Accent has been one of our best selling models ever since its launch. Offering it with a CNG kit will only add to its appeal as it will not only be cheaper to run but also eco- friendly," HMIL Managing Director H S Lheem said.

 

 

 

11. Maruti Suzuki Launches Dual-Fuel Maruti 800 Duo News

7 June, 2008

 

Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited has introduced the Maruti 800 Duo, a new variant that runs on petrol as well as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), priced at Rs205,682 for Maruti 800 Standard LPG and Rs226,177 for Maruti 800 AC LPG (ex showroom New Delhi).

 

Rs 205,682 for Maruti 800 Standard LPG and Rs226,177 for Maruti 800 AC LPG," said Mayank Pareek, executive officer, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki. "We are happy to launch the Maruti 800 Duo on the World Environment day as it uses LPG, an environment friendly cleaner fuel. Besides, the car is economical to drive and being factory fitted, it is completely safe."

"The success of Maruti Suzuki's dual fuel models like the WagonR and the Omni Cargo is a clear reflection of the customer preference towards products that are safe and light on pocket and at the same time environment friendly. We are sure that the Maruti 800 Duo will find favour with the customers for the greater value for money to her," he added.

 

Coinciding with this launch, the company announced that it has sold almost 125,000 cars that are powered by LPG and CNG fuels - besides the Maruti 800, the company offers Omni and WagonR in dual fuel options (LPG-cum-petrol).

 

Maruti Suzuki says it pioneered the alternate fuel vhicle concept in the country by introducing factory-fitted models starting in 2001 and is the only Indain car maker to offer alternate fuel vehicles across entry level, compact and commercial segments.

 

The Maruti 800 Duo works on Gas Mixer System based on Integrated Gas Technology which results in optimum performance and superior emissions. The Maruti 800 Duo delivers a power of 35ps@5000 rpm and torque of 56Nm@2500 rpm. The LPG variant emits 10 per cent lower CO2 than the petrol variant, hence is environment friendly. The companu says the learning's from previous products like Omni LPG (2004) & Wagon R Duo (2006) have been integrated into the Maruti 800 Duo to ensure that optimum power and torque levels are maintained at the same levels as the petrol variant.

 

Maruti 800 Duo is manufactured at the company's Gurgaon plant. The components of the Maruti 800 Duo are fitted on-line along side the petrol variant of the car and the Duo is available with full warranty benefits, which are available on other car models.
The LPG kit in the Maruti 800 Duo is approved by department of explosives, tested and certified by Automotive Research Association of India.

 

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