New cars aplenty for Indian auto market for 2012 festive season

In a bid to revive slowing auto markets in India, automakers have launched a host of new products in the market well timed ahead of the festive season. These vehicles are in varying price ranges right from the Maruti Alto800 to the Jaguar XJL targeting various categories of customers. Auto sales had slowed to 7% growth in the first four months of this fiscal from an earlier 30% in the past two years. There were a number of reasons for this drastic dip in demand which could be blamed on a slowdown in the economy, rising fuel prices and rising interest rates.

The upcoming festive season it is hoped will bring about a sea change in the Indian auto industry with attractive models being launched, enticing discounts and attractive gifts being offered by auto companies to woo customers back into showrooms. A total range of products right from small and compact cars to mini SUVs and sedans are launched. The current festive lineup includes Alto800, Mahindra Mini Xylo, Ford EcoSport (expected), Chevrolet Sail (expected), Tata Manza CS, along with Hyundai Elantra, the new Tata Nano, and Hyundai Eon.

A notable fact is that this year’s festive season is longer than usual which commenced with Onam in August and which will carry on right upto Christmas in December which is what auto companies are banking on to counter effect their dismal sales experienced since the start of this year.