Indian auto industry has been revolutionised constantly in the past few years. The introduction of new technologies, utilities and facilities in cars have kept the consumers content. The present year, although, saw a decline in the automobile sales, India witnessed a comprehensive level of innovation, brought on by global and domestic car makers. Change is an imperative part of life and our country perceived transformation which were both extolling and disheartening. Before digging further, lets take a look at the top 10 highlights of Indian auto industry in 2013.
With the continually expanding domestic market, the latest addition to the queue were the Japanese renowned commercial vehicle and diesel engine manufacturer, Isuzu and British hot rod maker Triumph Motorcycles. The former marked its advent with the launch of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) called Isuzu MU-7 and the latter made a debut by launching its 10 premier motorcycles. Isuzu which is acknowledged worldwide for its durable and robustly products, made a whole-hearted entry in the market. Triumph, on the other hand, offered its disparate range to Indian auto aficionados, starting from Rs. 5.7 lakh and reaching till Rs. 20 lakh.
Along with newly debuting global car makers, a re-entry was made by Nissan's low range brand Datsun. With its Datsun Go, the company aimed to vanquish the entry level hatchback segment, eradicating the likes of small cars from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Datsun Go comes equipped with prerequisite features, which are proudly exhibited by other cars in the segment. With a competitive pricing of its product, between Rs. 2.5 lakh and Rs. 4.5 lakh, the company is likely to witness a grand success in the near future.
Harley-Davidson unveiled its proposition of manufacturing next global product at its Indian plant. The American road-cruiser maker has declared that its low-end range of Street motorcycles will be produced in US and India. Its will be the first time ever that Harley-Davidson has aimed at manufacturing its motorcycles anywhere outside USA. Two models, namely Street 750 and Street 500, will be manufactured in India and are also expected to be exported in Europe.
Another event that took the Indian auto market by storm was the launch news of Honda Amaze and Ford EcoSport in 2013. The duo had created a string of buzzes regarding their arrival and the buyers just got a glimpse of altered marketing strategies of both the companies. Experts hugely believed that it was a marketing stunt by Honda and Ford to invoke utmost curiosity among its vast consumers, and the results were astonishing as both cars saw a waiting period of 3-5 months. Honda marked its advent in the diesel car market with its newly developed “Earth Dream” technology. On the other hand, the widely anticipated Ford EcoSport marked the company's entry in the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. These cars have been lauded globally with their high-end performance in the respective segment. The extent is so high that Ford India had to recently cease the bookings of its compact SUV as it was incapable of meeting such high demands.
Honda seems to be on an unending flight of surprises and the Japanese car maker recently premiered the diesel version of its prudent sedan Honda City. Expected to be launched in the forthcoming year, Honda City will be offered in its 4th generation version. Notably, the model has been developed with a complete makeover and Honda has been making frivolous attempts to publicise its upcoming model. Till date, the upcoming sedan has invoked utmost anxiety among domestic buyers. Interestingly, the car will be equipped with an option of both petrol and diesel engines, and will be competing against the likes of Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento and Hyundai Verna.
In the present time where global car manufacturers are majorly dominating the domestic roads, the Indian auto maker, Ashok Leyland, has also stepped into the passenger vehicle segment with its Stile. The Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) happens to be a result from the joint venture between Ashok Leyland and Nissan Motors. This MPV boasts of a heavy engine and ability to capacitate 8 people comfortably. With an exemplary fuel economy, Ashok Leyland Stile is gradually moving upwards to match the likes of Toyota Innova and Chevrolet Enjoy.
Another mesmerising news in 2013 came from the stables of pioneer Indian 2-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, which formed an alliance with Italy's Magneti Marelli. After ending its syndicate with Honda, the company was eagerly looking to affiliate its design and technology with a new federation. Amidst such jubilant occasions, India was also left in dismay with the occurrence of some infamy and unnerved moments. General Motors was in the limelight of disgrace after allegations of bribing Indian Testing Laboratories for the approval of emission norms of Chevrolet Tavera. The car did not meet the emission norms of the country and the models of Tavera, manufactured between 2005 and 2013 were recalled by the auto maker. Around 114,000 units of the car were recalled and the company might face a penalty of Rs. 11 crore, along with criminal proceedings.
Next big happening is the fabled Formula One racing championship, which will not see its next edition in the country. India lost its slot for the upcoming Grand Prix event in 2014, which was a very disheartening news for Formula One aficionados. However, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the racing championship, Bernie Ecclestone declared that the championship would return in the first quarter of 2015.
Despite 2013 was packed with a bundle of launches and debuts, growth in domestic auto market was deduced to minimal figures. The auto sales have dipped to their worst level and experts are of a view that the auto market was stagnant, without any hope of recovery. However, the forthcoming year envisions to compensate the heavy loss but little can be said as of now, as the same promises were made at the end of 2012.
