Developments in the Auto Industry in the Month of September

Mahindra & Mahindra finally gets around to launching the Quanto.20th September.

This could kick start the mini SUV segment, that is looking at the likes of the Ford EcoSport at one end, and the Renault Duster at the upper end of this segment. Also in the fray coming soon would be the Chevrolet Traxx, which has the potential to rock this segment as well.

M&M wants to get there first, smart move.

However the potential 3 cylinder Diesel engine does seem to be a cause for concern, provided how refined Mahindra can make it.

Pricing it around 6L would be a very very sweet deal.

Auto industry sees a slowdown. 2-Wheeler manufacturers record a lower sale.

Not looking good for the market as of now, however there has been a slowdown in sales % for cars and 2 wheelers ( around 12% ).

Yamaha to Launch Yamaha X-Ray on September 14th.

One of the coolest looking scooters to hit the market, this is one highly anticipated launch. Looking forward to a review on this.

Renault launches the Scala... mirrors Nissan all the way.

After the Pulse, its now the turn of the Scala, the twin to the Nissan Sunny. Priced at 7 - 9.6 Lakhs, it does sound promising, and does definitely look better than the Sunny.









Hero Honda to Withdraw Impulse, Ignitor and Maestro from the market.

Sad Sad move. Once of the most exciting models they ever launched, the Impulse, will be withdrawn from the market soon. Great chassis, a very nimble machine. I would highly recommend if anyone wants one, the time to buy is now.


The other model being withdrawn would be the CBF Stunner look-a-like Ignitor. Not that it was selling well, however they will be discontinuing it as well.

The third one being the Maestro. Hero have had all sorts of bad luck with their scooters. First the Pleasure and now the Maestro. It will also be pulled out soon.



The Ignitor




The Maestro





The Impulse

Honda Cars to discontinue production of the Civic and the Accord.

Which could be the biggest gamble ( in which direction ! ) for Honda, they are planning to discontinue production of the Civic and the Accord. The Civic is to be made in limited numbers, and they are planning to launch the new 2013 Accord as a CBU, rather than making it in India.

Reason? competition from Hyundai/Chevrolet! Wow!

 

Honda ( cars ) Do have a diesel option in Europe for the Accord, but for some silly reason they are not contemplating that.

Moreover it seems that they wish to concentrate more on the mass volume segment ( Brio , Jazz ), rather than the higher segment.

This could be potentially a move to launch an entry level hatchback or something else.


Hero has recorded lower sales, and are looking at revamping their line up. Of all the machines being withdrawn, the Impulse was/is something that is really a worthwhile bike, and they should reconsider it.