Indian car industry was eyeing the new car launches with hopes and aspirations that the new excitement will enlighten the slow moving market. But all the expectations are shattered as manufacturers are postponing their car launches to combat the economic recession.

First in line are Fiat cars, Linea and Punto. Fiat has postponed the launch of Linea to December and even the launch of Punto is pushed to next year. The company fears the poor sentiments of the prevailing car market but is optimistic that the situation will improve.

Next in pipeline is the Bravo, a luxury hatchback, that was supposed to be launched early but now the manufacturer refuses to give a final date for the launch. Even the launch of Tata Nano is on a continuous delay. Earlier the launch was delayed because of the Singur issues but this time, the reason may be different. Maybe the company is not willing to capture the market with the present scenario.

Even Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have pushed their launches from the festive season to year end. Maruti A-Star was planned for launch in October during the celebrations of Diwali but now it will make its debut in November or early December this year. Hyundai has also announced the commercial launch of i20 in the domestic market by early 2009.

So, with delayed car launches, new excitement and thrill have also been pushed back.