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Neha Kaushik

NEW DELHI, Dec. 24

CAR lovers have reasons to cheer. The next calendar year is slated to see over 20 launches in the domestic market across categories ranging from sports utility vehicles to sedans, to premium-end vehicles and, may be, even a couple of small cars attempting to strike success in the voluminous B segment.

A peek at what's coming next? The new models will include the Octavia Laurin & Klement and Superb from Skoda, the Isuzu Panther from General Motors (which has also said that it will launch two other vehicles on different platforms), the Grand Vitara from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai's Terracan and Getz, the Fit and the CR-V from Honda Siel, the Doblo from Fiat, the Corolla from Toyota and many, many more. And liquor baron, Mr Vijay Mallya, has tied up with the Goa-based San Motors to unveil a sports car — the Kingfisher Storm.

Industry analysts point out that the rush of launches is to sustain consumer interest in the category. According to industry data, passenger car sales, at 5,70,473 units, practically posted nil growth in 2001-2002 against 5,67,728 units in 2000-2001. This year too has not been particularly inspiring, with most of the growth coming in during the last three months.

However, with interest rates for car loans set to drop further next year, manufacturers are optimistic of enticing the consumer enough to make him loosen his purse strings. According to analysts, with the drop in interest rates, car finance volumes are expected to increase further next year. Currently, more than 70 per cent of the cars sold are financed, compared to about 55 per cent around three years ago.

Meanwhile, Tata Engineering has already set the ball rolling with the launch of its sedan - Indigo. Planned launches from the company next year include the Indigo Estate (expected before the end of the fiscal year), an Indica sports model, the Tata Safari with a petrol engine and a top-of-the-line variant of the Tata Safari.

However, to keep the action going all through the year, it is not only the new vehicles that are slated for launch. Several new variants of existing models will also be unveiled in the coming year. Apart from the variant launches from the Tatas, a new look City and Accord from Honda, the Fiat Palio diesel and the new, upgraded variants of India's first electric car, Reva, among other models, are also on the cards.

An interesting thing to note is that a majority of these launches will be in the multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) segment. Beginning with the launch of the Hyundai Terracan in January next year, other MUVs expected to cruise the Indian roads next year include Honda's CR-V, General Motors Isuzu Panther (which may be re-badged under the Chevrolet brand), Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara, Fiat's Doblo and the Toyota Prado Landcruiser, among others.

And, a combination of exciting launches, low interest schemes and discounts offered by the manufacturers is expected to have the industry cruising along in top gear next year.

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