As the current calendar year is now to end after a long period of woes and despair in the car market, Indian car manufacturers are now banking on the new year to bring some fortune in the industry.

December was to see various new car launches including the Fiat Linea and Mahindra Xylo. But the meltdown in the market and Mumbai terror attack pushed the launch of Linea and Xylo. But, is that really true? Some say the key reason for pushing forward the launch date of these cars is not the fear of recession but to compile a good inventory of cars across all dealers at the exact launch date. At this stage, its difficult to judge whether the fear of falling car market or preparing to have a stockpile of cars have forced them to postpone the launch.


All we can say is that both these car companies have high hopes tied to their respective car models, now to be launched in January 2009.

The recent moves taken by the government with regards to reducing fuel prices and lowering excise duty was also believed to bring some relief to car manufacturers. But, unfortunately, the government was not successful in resolving the core issue of availability of finance to car consumers. So, the worries and despair stayed.

Companies like the Toyota, Audi, BMW, and the Hyundai are ready to launch their respective car models in the coming time. Though facelifted Innova, BMW 3-Series, and Audi’s A4 sedans with two new engine options are expected to come by next year, Hyundai i20 is likely to make its entry by December end.

With high hopes and aspiration, car manufacturers are actually waiting for the New Year splash. They all are aiming for elevated car sales and a better car market with the portfolio of car launches and advancements taking place in the upcoming year.