The ensuing Auto Expo 2010 is ready for showcasing the global small cars but without any unique brand to name. the event is not such a big show to boast about any particular brand and in 2008 it was Tata Nano. However, for the first time for an Expo, Toyota Kirloskar is launching a product – a small car built for Indian roads – outside Japan including BRIC models. Despite the production slated for 2010, this car will be displayed in both sedan and hatchback versions.
Similar is the case with Honda Siel which is expected to display the small car that is meant for India. VW is in full swing after its deal of Porsche and is on the verge of launching its Polo compact in sedan version. General Motors India is to unveil its Beat while Ford India has Figo. The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India is waiting for the occasion to unveil its first complete indigenous small car slated for 2012.
Tata , for its part, is still continuing the sensation of Nano with its variants – diesel and hybrid versions- but it is to ascertained only at the Expo. Hyundai has got its Santa Fe an SUV, i30, i40 while Nissan is planning to display its MIRCA India. Thus, the Expo is expected to display small cars in a big way. All these indicate that the making of such small cars has been in the process for years past.
But the industry analysts feel that the timing of small cars is not conducive with the Indian government contemplating the excise duty hike. But the Original Equipment Manufacturers, both domestic and global, are not bothered about the hiccups, and want to make a foothold in the most potential small car market – India.