The Hindu Business Line : Hyundai set to launch Getz in August

THE much-awaited B+ segment model by Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) the `Getz' is slated to hit the market ahead of the festive season in the next few weeks.

Initially, two variants of the vehicle are being launched, the `lean' entry level model and a fully loaded top-end version and the pricing of the model will be between HMIL's `B' segment car Santro and its `C' segment model `Accent.' Only a petrol version will be launched initially.

The company is also confident of becoming the top car manufacturer in the country in terms of revenue by the end of Dec 31, 2004.

Speaking to newspersons in Coimbatore on Wednesday, on the occasion of opening of a `Premium Cars Plaza' by its Coimbatore dealer `Chandra Hyundai,' Mr A.N. Prakash Rao, Senior General Manager, National Sales, HMIL, New Delhi, said the company would launch `Getz' by the third week of August or by the end of August. The company delayed the launch a bit because it wanted the vehicle to be available with its dealers ahead of the festival season to capitalise on the festive spirit.

Asked about pricing, he said the car would be positioned between Hyundai's Santro and Accent models. It would be priced in such a way that it did not eat into the market share of Hyundai's other models and it would be aimed at increasing the customer base of the company. The vehicle would be powered by 1300 CC engine and it would meet Euro III emission norms. There would be substantial indigenisation so that `it could be priced appropriately.'

He said the model would be a hatchback but the platform on which it is built is flexible and if needed, a three-box version could be produced.