[Bullfrog]

Originally Posted by souravc

Honda has to understand that apart from die-hards no one would be willing to pay the steep premium , more so when financing is costlier . It has to climb down from its high ground and start offering more value in terms of equipments, pricing and upgrade - I believe that its already happening which is good news !

Is this further evidence of slow death of actual driver oriented fun-to-drive cars. All people paying close to 10L seem to be more interested in all the fancy gadgets. Never mind how good/required they are or how long they work reliably.

[souravc]

Originally Posted by Bullfrog

Is this further evidence of slow death of actual driver oriented fun-to-drive cars. All people paying close to 10L seem to be more interested in all the fancy gadgets. Never mind how good/required they are or how long they work reliably.

Well, it may also be the case that the gadget laden cars are also fun-to-drive. Actually its very subjective and depends on individual perceptions but just from a pure topline/bottomline perspective it seems that Honda (India) has slipped up.
Lets not discount the intelligence of the Indian consumers - these are same guys who over the year gave Honda city the status of a car that sets the benchmark so just because its slipping we can't start blaming the consumer mindset. I think its just that we have more choices today than earlier which calls for a calibration of approach from the players. After all people have every right to look for a bigger bang for the buck , its their hard earned money after all

[Bullfrog]

No doubt about hard earned part of money spent. But over the years it makes it for a sad observation if you see the low sales/demise of driver oriented cars losing to better equipped and not essentially better performing cars.

[alavandar]

Originally Posted by rao_battula

I think roaring petrol prices may be one of the reasons FIAT T-Jet not picking up as anticipated along with general perceptions of FIAT. The price range is a problem too. Many of the guys surprised to see a FIAT crossing 10L range. One of my friends was saying "A FIAT costing almost same as Honda. Who will purchase?". Ironically he has been driving Palio 1.2 for last 5 years.

Fact most people forget is Fiat was the first to introduce
whole lot of safety and other features in 10L and below price range sedan as well as in hatch back. And City, has been definitely charging a premium for brand. Like I said in April sales figures posting, Fiat has its fan club of people who think hard and do not go by brand image.

[rangarx]

Originally Posted by Bullfrog

No doubt about hard earned part of money spent. But over the years it makes it for a sad observation if you see the low sales/demise of driver oriented cars losing to better equipped and not essentially better performing cars.

True. Once famous MUSCLE cars in the US are now part of history.

Need of the hour is maximum bang for the buck and FE. Also do not forget the style quotient all the Bells and Whistles offer.

However, some of the cars which are better equipped are a hoot to drive too. Eg - Linea T Jet, All New Ford Fiesta, Swift to name a few.

[julupani]

Originally Posted by rangarx

True. Once famous MUSCLE cars in the US are now part of history.

I am sorry, in what way were the Muscle cars of the US driver oriented in anyway at all. I am a big fan of cars like the Charger, the Challenger, the Camaro, the GTO etc, but I wont call them driver oriented cars at all.

[cedricsg]

Originally Posted by vivekparmar

A bit surprised by the cruze's number but again if I take a look at the complete segment (Civic , Corolla are down & out and Laura putting up a surprise) it seems it's fair.

Would love to know the split of petrol v/s diesel in the Lauras. GTO, can you possible help.

[bzr77k]

Originally Posted by GTO

Team,

Sales performance for the month just ended. Will add the rest of the manufacturers as they are received.

@GTO, thanks for the prompt post!
A few questions on the data:
1. Are these OE numbers/ dealer numbers?
2. Counted by "produced/assembled in May" or "Sold in May" (if OE numbers)?
3. Includes exports or only domestic?
4. Can you also put numbers of other segments (CVs, 2wh) ?

Thanks again

[souravc]

Originally Posted by rangarx

However, some of the cars which are better equipped are a hoot to drive too. Eg - Linea T Jet, All New Ford Fiesta, Swift to name a few.

You drove the All New Ford Fiesta ? Where ?

[julupani]

Originally Posted by bzr77k

@GTO, thanks for the prompt post!
A few questions on the data:
1. Are these OE numbers/ dealer numbers?
2. Counted by "produced/assembled in May" or "Sold in May" (if OE numbers)?
3. Includes exports or only domestic?
4. Can you also put numbers of other segments (CVs, 2wh) ?

Thanks again

As far as I think the manufacturers generally report the numbers distributed from their plant to the different dealers around the country. The actual number sold in the month, and the actual number produced in the month may differ, but generally not by much at all.

Also I think these numbers generally do include exports as well.

[rangarx]

Originally Posted by souravc

You drove the All New Ford Fiesta ? Where ?

That is my understanding from the initial drive impressions from Autocar India two issues back.

[souravc]

Originally Posted by rangarx

That is my understanding from the initial drive impressions from Autocar India two issues back.

Its advisable to be a bit cynical about the mainstream media today, everything is for sale there . Only trust your own experience, reviews on T-BHP or feedback from people you know Going by that the new Ford Fiesta is yet to graduate!

[rangarx]

Originally Posted by souravc

Its advisable to be a bit cynical about the mainstream media today, everything is for sale there . Only trust your own experience, reviews on T-BHP or feedback from people you know Going by that the new Ford Fiesta is yet to graduate!

Point well taken mate. That is why I dwell here more than the mainstream media.

[architect]

Originally Posted by himanshu_2580

Wondering what's stopping Fiat from pulling the plug from Palio??? They just can't be operating production lines to churn out 19 - 20 cars each month...Unless they plan a refresh...

I heard Palios are being exported to other countries from the Ranjangaon plant. Doesn't hurt them to push off a few in BS-3 cities alongside. Not to mention that they have already rationalised the colours to match those of the Punto. The engine is not unique to this car either.

[chinmay22]

Some analysis for main segments by me:

Sub-B Segment:
- i10 has dropped some volume in last 4 months: Could not conclude the reason for that loss
- Nano 35% drop in Volume vs. April
- Otherwise fairly constant segment

B-Hatch Segment:
- The most dynamic segment referring to historical sales volume
- Indica has lost about 40% in last 4 months before getting some back in May
- Figo still trying to settle down at a decent position
- Polo & Etios picking up well in last 6 months

B-sedan Segment:
- Indigo 50% loss in last 4 months
- New Verna & Vento giving City the worst time (will be more struggle when New Fiesta comes in)
- Old Fiesta & Accent fairly stable at the lower end of volume (1-2K)
- Surprising to see Etios loosing

C-Segment
- This segment has lost the most volumes this month - Except Laura
- Corolla Altis is loosing its plot - hope for some recovery when new one comes in (not too much hopes)
- Cruze did well in last 6 months - fighting with Laura currently
- Jetta has never done great - VW needs to be agressive in this segment
- Cant wait to see new Elantra: Amazing styling due in next 6-8 months I guess


Overall:
- Suzuki has clear segment leader in all main segments (more than twice volume for No.1s vs. No. 2s shows their real potential)
- Hyundai did not have a great month except Verna pulling sales back by 135%

Any comments/ feedback welcome..