[CEF_Beasts]

This year has almost come to an end, back in Dec 2019 we had heard the first case of a virus called Covid-19 emerge in Wuhan, China. Little did we know that it would engulf the entire country, world; tumble economies across various sectors. The situation is still far from over as we are at the end of 2020. But there is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine having rolled out in some countries.

India got it’s first Covid-19 case on 30th Jan and we have touched 1 Cr cases. Salute to all doctors and frontline workers who ensured that the general public is safe. Doctors and frontline workers definitely need a year off after this damn virus is gone.

The Autoexpo which is a biennial event, which takes place in February. It took place between 6-9th February 2020. Many manufacturers showcased their new entrants and concepts but their were many who didn’t participate as well. I had booked my flight, AutoExpo tickets, and booked a hotel near the venue. But sadly couldn’t go since the virus was spreading.

By March the situation across China, Italy grew severe. On March 25th 2020 when cases had reached 500, India was placed in lockdown. Work-From-Home was the new normal, nobody knew what just hit them. Small businesses, small shops, entrepreneurs, large companies were severely impacted. Factories were shut, April saw 0 sales across all segments of vehicles for the first time in history. Flights were shut off, people were stuck at different places around the world. One word for it was Chaos. Several large industries generously donated to fight the deadly virus, right from making masks to ventilations. MG Motors, Maruti Suzuki were some companies at the forefront.

There was another very important step that India took in April 2020 and that was BS6 implementation. Several cars got discontinued, new engines were made, old engines were upgraded some were discontinued, Diesel engined cars became more expensive. Maruti-Suzuki the largest car maker in the country shifted entirely to petrol powered cars. Several manufacturers shifted only to petrol power.

Some epic engines that were lost in the process:

- Ford’s 3.2L 5 Cylinder engine powering the Endeavour.
- Innova’s 2.8L GD series engine.
- Hyundai’s amazing 1.6L CRDi motor.
- Who can forget the national engine of India, Fiat’s 1.3L Multijet that powered close to 26 cars across 5 brands.
- VW, Skoda and Audi were loved for their diesel torque monsters but sadly all of them saw the axe. (1.5 TDi, 2L TDi and 3L TDi)
- Who can forget the 1.2 TSI and the 1.8 TSI.
- Nissan-Renault’s impressive 1.5L DCi was replaced by a 1.3L turbo petrol.
- 2.2L Varicor which powered the Hexa and Safari Storme.
- Mercedes-Benz’s 2.1L turbo diesel unit.
- Maruti’s 1L Boosterjet turbo petrol
- Fiat’s 1.4L turbo petrol in the Punto Abarth, Linea TJet.

What replaced them?

- 1L TSI is the first motor which comes to mind, explosive power!
- 1.3L turbo petrol from Renault-Nissan-Daimler.
- 1.5L TSI, 2L TSI across the Skoda, VW and Audi range.
- 2L turbo petrol from Mahindra (currently only in the new Thar.)
- 1.5L petrol from Maruti-Suzuki, which is average at best.
- 2L turbo diesel Panther engine from Ford coupled with India’s first 10 speed torque converter automatic.

Cars that were discontinued:
- JTP was shut down
- Tata Hexa and Safari Storme
- Toyota Corolla Altis, Etios twins
- Honda BR-V
- Renault Captur (Kaptur), Lodgy
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and LC200.
- Nissan Terrano
- Skoda Octavia
- Audi Q3, Q5, Q7, A3, A4 and A5.


The industry was slowly recovering, people were slowly adjusting to the new normal and the lockdown was partially eased. The entire economy re-started after a road-block, their were salary-cuts, job-losses but that didn’t deter people from working. Today I can proudly say we are 75% back to normal. Flights have begun which is a good sign. Restaurants, theatres, malls have opened with limited people allowed.

Slowly hotels have opened up and people embarked on their first trips of 2020!

Even if 2020 was a slow year that didn’t mean the Auto Manufacturers had slowed down as well! Here is a slew of launches across 2020.

January 15 – Audi Q8
January 21 - Hyundai Aura
January 22 – Tata Altroz
January 23 – MG ZS EV
January 28 – Tata Nexon EV
January 29 – New Mercedes-Benz GLE
January 30 – New Range Rover Evoque
February 3 – New Audi A8 L
February 5 – Kia Carnival
February 26 – Toyota Vellfire
March 6 – Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
March 17 – New Hyundai Creta
March 18 – Volkswagen T-Roc
May 8 – BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe
May 26 – Skoda Karoq
June 11 – New BMW X6
June 17 – New Mercedes-Benz GLS
July 15 – New Honda City
July 16 – Audi RS7 Sportback
August 27 – Audi RS Q8
September 18 – Kia Sonet
September 23 – Toyota Urban Cruiser, new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe
October 2 – New Gen Mahindra Thar
October 8 – MG Gloster, Mercedes-Benz EQC
October 15 – BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Land Rover Defender
October 16 – Audi Q2
November 2 – BMW X3 M
November 3 - Made-in-India Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG
November 5 – New Hyundai i20
November 24 - Facelifted Toyota Innova Crysta
November 26 - BMW X5 M
December 2 – Nissan Magnite

Remembering 2020;

It saw Mercedes-Benz taking the first step in the performance department by launching a Made-In-Car Performance car; the GLC 43 AMG.

#1 Thar was auctioned for ₹1.11 Cr and Mahindra matched the amount and donated a massive ₹2.22 Cr to charity.

Another highlight in the year was the opening of the 9.02km-long Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel above 10,000ft, in Himachal Pradesh. Cut short some gruesome hours of travel.

Great Wall Motors was not granted permission by the Maharashtra Government to proceed with their plans due to the India-China conflict.
Strong Anti-Chinese sentiment were there and people boycotted Chinese goods extensively.

Geneva Motor Show was cancelled, Cartier announced it was pulling the plug on the Cartier Concours d'Elegance – the show that put India on the international stage for vintage and classic concours – due to budget constraints and a change in market priorities.

The automotive world also lost some key personalities. Racing legend Sir Sterling Moss passed away early in 2020, and the Indian auto industry received a shock with the untimely demise of BMW India head Rudratej Singh. Hans Mezger, renowned Porsche engineer and the creator of the 911's signature flat-six boxer engine, also passed away.

It has not been an easy year for anyone. If there is one thing that the virus taught us is spending valuable and crucial time with family members, staying safe and not exposing oneself, not taking anything for granted. Bouncing back more resilient, stronger than ever before.

Huge Salute to our Doctors, Frontline workers and our Security Forces who saved our country with utmost determination and bravery without whom we would have not made it till here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all fellow BHpians and their families. May the next year fulfil your dreams and wishes. Stay safe and take care.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

2020 was certainly a happening year, especially due to BS6 norms and the changes to model lines that happened around this big event. But it is certainly not going to be remembered with a happy note.

I guess all companies are celebrating the end of 2020 and hoping for a big start to 2021. Just look at the sheer number of confirmed products launches in Jan 2021 -

Toyota - Fortuner legender - Jan 6
TATA - Altroz Turbo - Jan 13
BMW - 3-Series Gran Limousine - Jan 21
Jeep - Compass facelift - Jan 23
Audi - New A4 - Jan 25

MG - Hector facelift - end Jan or early Feb.
TATA - Gravitas - end Jan or early Feb.

Haven't seen such an action packed month, except during the Auto Expo. Hope this gives a good boost for the industry and us customers alike in 2021.

[DonHyd]

The optimism is already in the air. People need an occasion to believe in a change for the better and there is no better occasion than the new year. 2020 has been so bad that the year coming to an end itself is giving relief although nothing is going to change in a day.

We can't praise enough all the efforts that have gone into combating the virus. Wishing a great year ahead particularly for the auto industry.

[YanTra Makto]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

Just look at the sheer number of confirmed products launches in Jan 2021 -

Toyota - Fortuner legender - Jan 6
TATA - Altroz Turbo - Jan 13
BMW - 3-Series Gran Limousine - Jan 21
Jeep - Compass facelift - Jan 23
Audi - New A4 - Jan 25

MG - Hector facelift - end Jan or early Feb.
TATA - Gravitas - end Jan or early Feb.

Haven't seen such an action packed month, except during the Auto Expo. Hope this gives a good boost for the industry and us customers alike in 2021.

Was hoping for the Hexa too,
Still missing almost buying it in 2018;
No worthy 7 seater option SUV/MUV right now;
XL6 and ertiga in petrol only; no cruise in ertiga; innova despite all its comfort and long value, too taxyish

[ChiragM]

The most successful new launches of 2020

With 2020 coming to an end, here's a look at some of the most successful new car launches of the year.



Honda City - Since its launch in July 2020, the City has been selling an average of 3,000 units a month. In October 2020, Honda sold 4,124 units of the sedan.

Hyundai Aura - Not a segment leader, but the Aura has sold an average of 4,000 to 5,000 units a month. The car was launched in January 2020.

Hyundai Creta - The Creta was expected to become one of the best selling cars in the country, although some believed that the Seltos may outsell it. Despite the polarizing design, the SUV has managed to sell more than 10,000 units a month on an average.

Hyundai i20 - The new i20 was expected to post strong sales figures just like its predecessor. The hatchback was launched in November 2020 and Hyundai has managed to sell 9,096 and 8,004 units in the two months it has been on sale.

Kia Sonet - The sales figures of the Sonet were expected to match that of its sister car - the Hyundai Venue. Since launch, it has sold an average of 10,000 to 11,000 units a month. However, sales fell to 5,959 units in December 2020.



Mahindra Thar - The Thar has proved to be a huge hit for Mahindra. In December 2020, we reported that waiting periods stretched up to 9 months and that Mahindra would increase production to keep up with the demand.

MG ZS EV - For an electric car, the ZS EV has been selling in good numbers. MG has sold more than 100 units every month. In comparison, in 2020, the Hyundai Kona EV couldn't even touch 50 units in any month.

Nissan Magnite - The car was launched in December 2020 and it is too soon to comment about its sales. However, the response to the car has been good and it has been reported that Nissan has received 32,800 bookings in just over 1 month.

Tata Altroz - Sales of the Altroz have constantly been on the rise and in the last three months of 2020, it managed to cross 6,000 units every month.





Link to Team-BHP News

[Sran]

Originally Posted by ChiragM

Hyundai Creta - The Creta was expected to become one of the best selling cars in the country, although some believed that the Seltos may outsell it. Despite the polarizing design, the SUV has managed to sell more than 10,000 units a month on an average.

According to https://gaadiwaadi.com/top-10-most-s...eta-to-seltos/ Creta sold a total of 84,216 units in 2020 so the average will be 7,000 units per months on an average.

[fhdowntheline]

The 2020 Creta was launched in March and then there was the lockdown. So in that context, the average sales are higher.

[batladanny]

What impressed me most is that all cars in the under-25L budget (the meat of the market) seem to have moved their respective segments forward. There are no half-hearted launches which are clearly second best in the segment.

Altroz, nexon ev, creta, city, sonet, thar, i20, magnite are all really strong products

[ChiragM]

The flopped Indian cars of 2020

Along with a few successful launches, 2020 saw a fair share of flopped cars with terrible sales figures. Here's a look at some of the flopped cars of the year.



Ford Figo/Aspire - Ford managed to sell 1,003 units of the Figo in Feb 2020, but for the remaining months, they struggled to cross 400 units. The Aspire meanwhile managed to cross 500 units just twice in the 12 months.

Honda Jazz - Despite the facelift being launched in 2020, the Jazz has managed an average of 600-650 units per month.

Hyundai Elantra - The sedan recorded 63 units in January 2020, but otherwise has struggled to even touch the 50 units/month mark.

Mahindra KUV100 - The KUV100 managed to cross the 100 units/month mark just once - in February 2020.

Mahindra Alturas G4 - In the entire year, Mahindra has not even sold 300 units of the SUV. There are rumours that it may be discontinued soon.

Datsun Go/Go+ - Sales of the Go and the Go+ haven't touched 100 units a month in the past 12 months. Both cars sold 0 units in December 2020.



Datsun redi-GO - Sales of this entry-level hatchback crossed the 1,000 unit mark only once - in January 2020.

Nissan Kicks - The Kicks has been a flop since launch, with sales hovering around the 500 unit mark. Since the lockdown, sales have fallen further.

Renault Duster - The old Duster was already struggling and sales fell further after the diesel engine was discontinued.

Toyota Yaris - Yaris has been a flop since launch as it was overpriced. Sales haven't crossed the 800 unit mark in any month over the entire year.

Volkswagen Vento - Sales of this old sedan were already low. They fell further after BS6 emission regulations were implemented.





Link to Team-BHP News