Most of Q2 2020 comprised the lockdown period, resulting in significant drop in sales in auto sector
However, the good thing is that sales have been picking up pace from June 2020 onwards after relaxations were announced by the government. If conditions remain favourable, automobile sales are expected to reach pre-Covid levels by the end of this year. Lets talk about the sales performance of premium hatchback segment. Top performers in Q2 2020 were Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz, and Hyundai i20.
Launched in 2015, Baleno has remained a bestseller since a long time. Earlier this year in February, Baleno had achieved the milestone of crossing lifetime sales of 7 lakh units. In the country’s automotive history, Baleno is the first premium hatchback to achieve this feat.
In Q2 2020, Baleno sales stood at 5,887 units, commanding a market share of 32%. Baleno sales were almost one-third of the total sales of 18,304 units in this segment. Diesel Baleno has been discontinued, and that is probably Baleno sales has declined by such a huge amount. In fact, Baleno has lost market share of more than 20%. Baleno’s loss, is Altroz’ gain.
Altroz gaining momentum?
At number two is Tata Altroz with sales of 4,483 units in Q2 2020. Its market share stands at 24%. Altroz has emerged as a popular choice in this space owing to its trendy design, sporty profile, comprehensive range of features and peppy engines. Altroz was launched in January 2020 at a starting price of Rs 5.29 lakh. Unlike Baleno that’s available only in petrol format, Altroz offers both petrol and diesel engine options.
One of the significant achievements for Altroz is that it is the only hatchback in its class to receive 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. Tata Motors is also working on an electric version of Altroz, which was showcased at 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Altroz EV is expected to be equipped with a 30 kWh battery pack with a range of around 300 km on a single charge.
i20 slips to third spot
Launched in 2014, Hyundai i20 was once the top selling premium hatchback. It was later overtaken by Maruti Baleno. However, i20 had continued to be ranked as the second bestselling premium hatchback for several months. In Q2 2020, a total of 3,596 units were sold, commanding a market share of 20%.
The current dip in sales is probably due to the anticipated launch of next-gen i20. It is expected to be available around the festive season. All-new Hyundai i20 looks stunning with features such as sharp headlamps and LED DRLs, bold front grille, stylish cuts and creases and prominent LED tail lamps. New i20 will have the same engine options as that of Hyundai Venue.
At fourth spot is Volkswagen Polo with sales of 2,354 units and 13% market share. Polo is currently the bestselling model in Volkswagen’s India portfolio. At number five and six are Toyota Glanza and Ford Freestyle. Sales are 1,421 units and 563 units, respectively. Honda Jazz registered zero sales in Q2 2020, as the BS6 model is yet to be launched.
