Dear Manufacturers, this is where opportunities lie

Hayek · 23rd April 2017, 09:19

Exceptional analysis Smartcat - brings out of lot of colour in addition to our usual monthly sales data. I found it instructive how Maruti has continuously defined new segments and dominated all it sees - which makes life exceptionally difficult for those trying to compete.

Comments on some segments:

The Top 2 sedan segments

Frankly, they have been wiped out by the luxury car brands. Almost everyone I know who bought an Accord / Superb / Passat class vehicle 6-7 years ago has moved to the E Class or X3 segment if not higher. And even the Octavia et al struggle against the X1 segment vehicles, as well as against the Creta and its ilk which seem to offer more for less. I suspect the bulk of Corolla sales are the low end taxi diesels.

What new vehicles should people look to launch? Not really much that will give large volumes. The Jazz and the W-RV should have had 1.5 l petrol automatics, but taxation won't let that work. Guess Honda needs to come up with a 1.2 l turbo petrol to survive.

23rd April 2017, 09:19	#46
Hayek Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,910 Thanked: 15,430 Times	Re: Dear Manufacturers, this is where opportunities lie Exceptional analysis Smartcat - brings out of lot of colour in addition to our usual monthly sales data. I found it instructive how Maruti has continuously defined new segments and dominated all it sees - which makes life exceptionally difficult for those trying to compete. Comments on some segments: The Top 2 sedan segments Frankly, they have been wiped out by the luxury car brands. Almost everyone I know who bought an Accord / Superb / Passat class vehicle 6-7 years ago has moved to the E Class or X3 segment if not higher. And even the Octavia et al struggle against the X1 segment vehicles, as well as against the Creta and its ilk which seem to offer more for less. I suspect the bulk of Corolla sales are the low end taxi diesels. What new vehicles should people look to launch? Not really much that will give large volumes. The Jazz and the W-RV should have had 1.5 l petrol automatics, but taxation won't let that work. Guess Honda needs to come up with a 1.2 l turbo petrol to survive.
	(3) Thanks