Small goes big, biggies go small

Makers of small cars such as Maruti are looking at SUVs, while European biggies VW and BMW are bringing their li\'l ones. Sumant Banerji reports.
MD-amp-CEO-of-Hyundai-Motor-India-HW-Park-during-the-press-preview-launch-of-Hyundai-Hexa-space-concept-car-at-the-11th-Auto-Expo-2012-at-Pragati-Maidan-in-New-Delhi-HT-Photo-Raj-K-Raj
MD-amp-CEO-of-Hyundai-Motor-India-HW-Park-during-the-press-preview-launch-of-Hyundai-Hexa-space-concept-car-at-the-11th-Auto-Expo-2012-at-Pragati-Maidan-in-New-Delhi-HT-Photo-Raj-K-Raj

Reputed small carmakers in India - Maruti, Hyundai, Tata - are going big, literally. While companies like BMW, Mercedes and Audi, synonymous with big luxury sedans are doing just the opposite, hitting India with their range of compact cars.

India's largest carmaker Maruti, having mastered the art of frugal engineering, showcased its big car ambitions with concept XA Alpha. The Alpha will be the foundation for its first indigenous sports utility vehicle.

Trending Cars

Find more Cars

Alongside this it would also launch a multi utility vehicle Ertiga, another first, on Friday to tap the burgeoning utility vehicle segment that accounts for over 15% of the industry.

Arch rival Hyundai too showcased its concept of a global compact SUV, the Hexa Space. Like Maruti, Hyundai has negligible presence in the utility vehicle segment at present.

The companies largely perceived as expert small carmakers have a psychological barrier to cross - the Indian consumer is not happy buying a bigger car from a small carmaker.

'We will keep trying various tricks to overcome that,' said Mayank Pareek, managing executive officer (marketing and sales), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. 'I believe if the car is good and is positioned correctly then the market will accept it.'

At the other end of the spectrum, the situation is exactly the opposite. The largest selling luxury carmaker in the country, BMW, brought the Mini, a 25 lakh car but so small, even the humble Tata Indica is longer.

Mercedes Benz scrambled its concept A class and B class, models destined to hit the roads by year-end. Audi is also keen to bring its A1 compact.

'For sure we would bring in the A1 at some point of time,' said Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of board, Audi AG. 'We have to maintain a fine balance and don't want to go too mass market too quickly. But no doubt there will be appetite for a luxury car small in India.'

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 05 Jan 2012, 22:44 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.