Wow! the indian customers has plenty of choices now; be it consumer durables, electronic gadgets, automobiles etc.,Year 2010 saw a new range of small/medium cars come in from Ford-FIGO, Volkswagen-
POLO, Fiat-PUNTO, chevrolet-BEAT, U-VA, Spark, Maruti-New wagon-R, Tata-NANO, Vista, Honda Jazz..Year 2011 we will see; Nissan- MICRA, Toyota-ETIOS, Maruti-Cervo & ECCO, Honda-Brio, Mahindra Reva NXR, Chevy Electric Spark, Tata Indica eV2
Diesel vs Petrol debate continues; well the diesel version of any car would be about a lac rupees higher than the petrol model. If one has to realize the benefits of the diesel-petrol price difference which fluctuates between a 15 to 25 rupee band; then the car has to log at least a few thousand miles per month. If this is done, then within a year of purchase of a diesel car, payback of the extra lac rupees margin would be achieved. But the catch is the higher maintenance cost of diesel vehicles which could start from the third year ( or later depending on usage ) onwards. Besides future deregulation of oil prices could see both petrol and diesel prices for cars comes nearer. Till then enjoy!
Choice to make could be based on
Price, Performance, Mileage, Space, Reliability, Features, Brand, safety
Ford scored a lead over other car manufacturers by pricing the FIGO very competitively. The value for money cool car sweeped off the marutis, hyundais and tatas by notching up a good fraction of the new car bookings. Bookings also translated into deliveries and FIGO lived up to the reputation of a good performance budget car.
Tata Nano hogged the headlines and bookings but it ran into some technical problems which slowed down its run. The bursting into flames brought a spectre of doubt on a otherwise great desi product. It could have been better tested and quality controlled before launch.
Chevy spark presented a snug car which found a section of buyers who were impressed with its attractive low maintenance plans and decent pricing.
The spurt in oil prices always trigger a need for alternative fuel for cars. The mahindra reva electric and electric spark could see a good patronage in 2011, when they are launched. The increase in the range of vehicle per charge and quicker charging times could be the focus...Revas are already doing well in bangalore and other metros.
Already the duo versions in maruti WagonR OMNi,chevy spark are doing well; but the availability of gas filling stations is the hitch.
Many diesel versions of cars like Chevy beat, hyundai santro are on the pipeline...What do feel about this small synopsis? will write more later!
