With growing cities and shrinking space on roads, there has been a change in the people’s choice of car body styles. While there is a segment of people who still prefer to drive big cars, an increasing number of people are opting for the good, old hatchbacks.
The hatch is a two box style, occupy lesser space as compared to a sedan, but have too many pluses on their side. In India, three out of every four cars sold are hatchbacks and India has now become the third largest producer of hatchbacks. Even the Indian Government is encouraging the production of hatchbacks by giving away tax incentives. However, the Government has set some norms for the production of small cars. Their size should be less than four meters and they should conform to the emission norms.
While Maruti 800, Swift, Wagon R and Zen from Maruti, the biggest car-makers in the country, are some hatchbacks which have
ruled the Indian roads. Hyundai Santro and Getz have also created their space in the car market. However, the market for hatchbacks in the country is going to see some new BIG entrants very soon. Even the big automakers realize the potential for hatchbacks in the Indian car market and are trying to tap it.
Skoda, so far known for manufacturing luxury cars, is soon going to launch its hatchback, the Skoda Fabia in India by the end of 2007. Even though the exteriors of the car are not very classy, the interiors look very impressive. The first thing that will draw your attention is the ample space in the cabin as well as the rear seats. The best feature of this car is that despite being a hatchback, it is very spacious.
With Skoda, Honda is also going to join the hatchback bandwagon. So far known for its premium, luxury sedans, Honda is also planning to launch a hatchback in India in 2-3 years. This car has been designed keeping in mind the Indian car market and Indian car drivers. Still undergoing development, this car will be launched in India before its launch in other countries. That is indication enough of how automakers are focusing on the Indian car market.
General Motors, the world’s largest producer of cars, also plans to increase its share in India, by three times to 10 percent by the end of the decade. GM sells its Chevrolet U-VA hatchback in India.
Toyota has also joined the fray with Honda and GM, planning to make inroads into the Indian hatchback market. Toyota has plans to launch the Toyota Aygo in India soon, which is a hit in Europe.
There are reports that Volkswagen might also launch a small, compact car in India. The car could be in the M800 range. Reports are rife that the automaker has started reviewing its models to be introduced in the country. The company has already indicated that the car to be launched will be based on the Polo platform in India and would take on competition from other hatchbacks.
Labels: Chevrolet, Hatchbacks, Hyundai, Maruti, Skoda, Toyota, Volkswagen
