With the festive season just around the corner, passenger vehicle makers are not only offering enticing discounts on their existing models but are also lining up launches to keep the buzz alive among prospective buyers and revive demand.
From mass-market models starting at Rs 10 lakh to a high-end electric SUV priced at Rs 2.25 crore , automakers across the spectrum are rolling out cars to cater to every segment.
Tata Motors
After launching the battery-driven Curvv EV last month, Tata Motors just launched the coupe SUV in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) avatar in the price range of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.69 lakh.
The coupe SUV, which takes on traditional mid-size SUVs such as the Creta, Seltos, and Grand Vitara, is available in both petrol and diesel versions.
“The introduction of the Curvv further enhances our SUV portfolio as a comprehensive mid-SUV product with multiple powertrains. To sweeten the package, we have priced the Curvv extremely attractively, across all variants,” Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said in a statement.
Mahindra and Mahindra
Another homegrown carmaker Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) will kick off Thar Roxx’s bookings on October 3. The five-door version of Thar, which was launched on 15th August, would be available at a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh and taking on Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The prices of high-end trims of this lifestyle SUV will be announced soon.
“With Thar Roxx, we're setting our sights on making the Thar franchise the No. 1 SUV franchise (>Rs 12.5 lakh segment) by volume within the next three to five years,” said Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd.
Hyundai Motor India
Similarly, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) will launch the Alcazar facelift on September 9. The seven-seater SUV by the South Korean carmaker is expected to be priced Rs 17-23 lakh.
According to Tarun Garg, Whole Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL, this model will give a further boost to its SUV market share. “With the bold new Hyundai Alcazar, we seek to provide our customers with an exceptional driving experience,” he said in a statement.
JSW MG Motor India
In the electric car segment, JSW MG Motor India is gearing up to launch Windsor EV on September 11. To be positioned between Comet and ZS, this model is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 15-20 lakh.
Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The MG Windsor caters to consumers who seek best of both worlds – comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV.”
Maruti Suzuki India
Passenger vehicle market leader Maruti Suzuki India is also working on the CNG variant of the fourth-generation Swift, which was launched on May 9. While the company is tight-lipped about it, dealer sources revealed that the Swift CNG will hit the market in the second week of September.
In the luxury car segment, Mercedes-Benz India today launched the new Maybach EQS SUV in the country with a price tag of Rs 2.25 crore (ex-showroom). Available in a single variant-680-the luxury e-SUV offers a driving range of 600km.
“This model will target the same set of affluent customers who are distinguished people, film stars, sports personalities, etc. However, these High Net worth Individuals (HNIs) are also ecology-conscious. This car is also the only choice in this segment which combines both the attributes in a vehicle,” said Santosh Iyer, MD, Mercedes-Benz India, while unveiling the model.
Sales hopes
In the face of sluggish demand, new vehicle launches are set to play a pivotal role in reinvigorating the automotive market, according to S&P Global Mobility.
“These introductions will enable OEMs to attract more consumers to their showrooms, driving an increase in footfall, which is crucial for the industry’s revival in today’s challenging environment. Models like the Tata Curvv and Hyundai Alcazar, with their modern features and design, are expected to stir excitement among potential buyers,” Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility, told Moneycontrol.
Their strategic launch timing could act as a catalyst, prompting consumers to upgrade their vehicles and offering a much-needed boost to overall market sentiment and sales, he said.
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