Maruti Alto is set to face competition now. Hyundai Motors India is set to launch its 800-cc small car globally in November this year. This is an expected look of the Hyundai small car being referred to as ‘HA’.
Hyundai HA, the new small car from Korean auto major was spied many times in India. As Hyundai HA is progressing well on its timelines our Photoshop expert has come out with a pair of rendering of this upcoming small car. Hyundai HA will be sharing many components with Hyundai i10 and will have elements from other recently launched Hyundai products like Hyundai ix20.
The front grille and bumper combination of HA may have resemblance to latest Hyundai i10. The tail end of Hyundai HA is more futuristic and has been adopted from ix20 hatchback. The overall size of Hyundai HA will be less than Hyundai i10 and will be powered by Hyundai’s latest 814cc Epsilon engine. Hyundai India is developing HA at their R&D Centre in Hyderabad.
With HA, Hyundai wants to take on Tata Nano and Maruti Suzuki Alto. Tata Nano sales have been declining over a period of time but Maruti Suzuki Alto sales figures are still maintaining the momentum. That means, Hyundai HA has sufficient space to position itself in our entry level small car segment. The success of Hyundai HA will depend upon the quality levels and the pricing strategy.
The small car (Code-named ‘HA’), will be priced below Santro. It will compete with small cars like Maruti Alto and to some extent Tata Nano. The hatchback will be manufactured at Chennai plant of Hyundai. The company expects the new car to increase its market share in India, which is currently at 19%. However, the new car is not likely to be ultra low cost like Tata Nano. “We do not have the technology for such a car and we do not think it will be viable for us to have a car in that segment. Our new sub-Santro car will not compete with the Nano, “said Arvind Saxena , sales & marketing director , Hyundai Motors India.
Hyundai has aggressive plan to keep launching at least two models every year. To meet the market demand for cars, the company is also working to expand its dealership network.
In 2011, Hyundai has already launched the new Verna (May 11th). The next model to be launched will be the new small car scheduled for November. In 2012, the company might launch the new Sonata (i45) in the Rs. 20 lakh luxury sedan segment.
Hyundai is the second largest car maker in India. The company sold 6.03 lakh cars in 2010 and 5.80 lakh cars in 2009. In 2011, Hyundai targets to sell 6.25 lakh cars.
Also see – Hyundai to launch HA 800 Small Car in 2012
Image credit – Wheelosphere
