The year 2008 has become one of the disappointing year for auto makers in India. After registering double growth for the past years, growth of auto sector fall to single digit. But this itself is a big achievement when auto sector in developed countries are posting negative growth. For the global auto makers the only hope in these tough times are India and China. To revive the sales, Manufacturers are lining up models to grab the customers. In India, we will witness atleast two new major models from every auto maker. Let’s have sneek peak on some of the important models.
Tata Nano:
Clearly nano is the most awaited car of the century. While the controversies and relocation pushed the launch of Nano to 2009, the expectations seems never dying. Till the new plant in Gujarat kicks in, Tata will produce small volume of Nano from its other plant. Auto Industry hopes the 1 Lakh car (Nano) will revive the consumers interest in automobile in tough times
Maruti Ritz:
Popularly known as ‘splash’ , this small car from Maruti will add to the japanese makers brigade of small cars. Ritz will be powered by a KB family engine and is a roomy hatchback. Ritz will be positioned between A-star and Swift. A-star and Ritz will counter Hyundai’s i10 and i20 respectively.
Honda Jazz:
Indian’s love for Honda’s civic and city is well known. But not all can spend 8 or 10 lakhs for a car. India is a small car market and Honda knows that, it will bring its internationally successfull model Jazz/Fit to India. This premium hatchback from Honda will take on the Skoda Fabia and recently launched Hyundai’s i20.
Fiat Linea:
This is the comeback time. From Dravid to Ricky Pointing coming back and conquering is always special. Fiat hopes to do the same with the launch of Linea. After a long period, Fiat is back in the hope of reviving its glory in India. Fiat plans to bring to launch Grande Punto and linea sedan in 2009. Of these, Linea sedan will come first in both petrol and diesel versions. Linea will be contesting in the C-segment which is currently ruled by the likes of Honda city, Maruti Suzuki SX4, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Verna.
Mahindra Xylo:
2009 is an important year for Mahindra and Mahindra as the Indian maker plans to launch Indian made cars in USA. But that’s not the only reason to celebrate. Mahindra and Mahindra – the maker of Scorpio and Bolero will launch a new Multi Utility Vehicle called “Xylo”. The launch date for Xylo is already officially announced.. Xylo is the second biggest launch for Mahindra after the successful Scorpio. If you have 8 lakhs and looking for a family vehicle wait till January 13th when Xylo will be launched.
In addition to listed prominent models, auto makers are planning number of new models and version upgrades for 2009. As the world move towards cheaper diesel fuel, popular car models like Hyundai i10 Toyota corolla altis may get a diesel engine. As usual, options for new cars in 2009 will be plenty, you have the duty to pick the best.
Here is the list of cars and bikes to be launched in 2009
CARS
Maruti-swift kb
Tata-new Indigo
Toyota-Innova facelift
GM-Chevrolet-Captiva automatic
Mahindra-megane
Mitsubishi-Lancer gallant
Fiat-Bravo
Chevrolet-Cruze
BIKES
Hero Honda 4 new variants