[greatDrive]

Originally Posted by RX135

Reva , previous attempt for such car, was a miserable failure since it was not practical. Now unless Tata really comes up with a good quality product which has practical use, there are chances that it will bomb too.

Reva base model cost 3.3 lac on road in Bangalore, Reva could have been a success if it had costed close to M800 and had good Service Network.
It lost in both the accounts.

[ramki067]

Originally Posted by amit

I don't think we at team-bhp have really got down to disucssing who we think is India's people car maker. So here is a poll for all to vote in and give their opinions on the same. But, the question is what really is a people's car maker? I'd say a people's car maker should have cars that are in the Indian context:

1. Reliable.
2. Fuel Efficient.
3. Cheap to service and maintain.
4. Safe
5. Good Looking and Modern. Although, I do feel that looks are something that buyers of these cars are willing to compromise on for the first 3 points.

The company needs to be :

1. Dynamic and totally in tune with the buyers desiers.
2. Offer great customer service both in sales and service.
3. Constantly update and modernize their products without too much of a corresponding increase in price.
4. Widespread dealer network.

I am expecting a close fight between Maruti and Tata but remember Tata's upcoming 1 lac car that will do what the M800 did 15 years back. Sure MUL may price the M800 on par with Tata's One but the One is a car that will be approx 15 years newer, read that as 15 years of R&D in design, driving dynamics, safety, engine technology and fuel efficiency.

VW is Europe's people car maker, GM is North America's and Toyota is Japan's people car maker. So who is India's people car maker?

1. Reliable. - Definitely Maruti Suzuki.
2. Fuel Efficient. - Which car is better in FE than the old horse M800.
3. Cheap to service and maintain. - again here Maruti Suzuki.
4. Safe - Here i think its TATA.
5. Good Looking and Modern. Although, I do feel that looks are something that buyers of these cars are willing to compromise on for the first 3 points. - Well Hyundai scores good over here with Santro,Getz,Accent and Sonata compared to say WagonR,Alto,Esteem,Baleno,Indica,and such.... except Maruti Suzuki Swift.

[sreenivass]

IMO maruti makes cheaper affordable cars, but compromises on safety and build. TATA probably gains more points in this area.