Hyundai India’s plans for 2007

It is a well known fact that Hyundai India is currently struggling. Tata Motors is closing in and have almost overtaken them to become the second largest automaker in the Indian market.

Their Sonata car is no longer the hottest car in its segment with Honda Civic dominating the segment. Getz sales have been unimpressive ever since Maruti launched their Swift car.

Their Santro too is facing massive competition from the recently launched Maruti Zen Estilo car. Sales of Verna have been disappointing though it is one of the best diesel sedans in its class.

The company is however prepared to handle this situation as they have announced their renewed assault on the domestic small car market.

Hyundai Motor India has plans to launch four small cars in the market this year. This would include variants of existing models.

They have already announced their plans to launch a new small car which is currently codenamed PA. It would be positioned between their existing products Santro and Getz.

Hyundai is also due to launch the 1.1 liter version of premium hatchback Getz named Getz Prime. It would come with the Santro’s engine and would provide an alternative to the consumer at a lower cost.

The company is also planning to launch an updated Getz next month with the 1.3 liter engine. A diesel Getz would be launched before the end of the year.

Hyundai managing director and CEO H S Lheem said in a statement: “We will continue to manufacture Santro in future but may stop making the present 1.3 liter Getz. We will start manufacturing the twin Santro in October this year but the car for sales will be available a little later.”

He added: “We will introduce two new models every year in the domestic passenger car market.” He also confirmed that they have no plans to stop the production of Accent model for the Indian market.

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