New MUV's to hit Indian market soon

As the demand for the crossovers is shooting upwards in the Indian car market, some of the largest car makers of the country including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Skoda AutoMulti Utility Vehicles or MUV) is the fastest growing segment of passenger vehicles in the Indian market. Although, the year 2010 has been a year of new hatchbacks as an array of new and stylish hatchbacks have been rolled out in the Indian market since the starting of this year. But now the trend seems to be shifting towards crossovers as the industry is witnessing a steep rise in the demand for multi utility vehicles.

A simple example of how successful MUV are is the Toyota Innova which is the best seller in its segment and has been in high demand right since its launch.

The crossovers (MUVs) are basically SUVs built on a chassis of sedan car and thus fulfill all the requirements.

The main factor behind the success of the crossover vehicles is that they can be used in the city, highway and off-road journeys. Thus, the utility of these models fall maximum as compared to an SUV or a sedan.

Speaking of MUV, the country's largest vehicle maker, Tata Motors is all set to launch its much anticipated MUV Tata Aria in the Indian market in the upcoming festive season. The Aria model was showcased in the Delhi International Auto Expo in January 2010. The all new Tata Aria model is expected to sport a 2.2 L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine which is already doing duties in company's popular SUV Tata Safari model. After its launch in the Indian market, the Aria model will be competing with some of the most popular vehicles including the best selling model of this segment Toyota Innova.

Another vehicle that is all set to join the league of crossovers in the country is Maruti's new crossover that has been developed at company's R3 concept. The all new R3 concept was also showcased at the Delhi International Auto Expo January 2010. The model is expected to hit the Indian roads by next year. With this, Skoda, a fully owned subsidiary of Germany based Volkswagen group, is also planning to launch its much awaited.

Skoda Roomster model in the Indian market by year 2011. The German auto giant is also expected to enter into the fastest growing segment by launching a new crossover from Maruti SX4 platform by next year.
are mulling over to launch their respective vehicles in this segment. The segment of crossovers (also known as

Skoda India for increased marketshare in South India

On the sidelines of inaugurating its showroom at Gudavalli in Andhra Pradesh on 20th September'08, Skoda India has said that it is aiming to enhance its marketshare in the southern part of India by opening several such showrooms. It is the third Skoda showroom in the State, after the ones in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The company has indicated that the number of units sold in South India account for one-third of its overall sales and it believes the new models would help it to shore up its bottomlines.

Mahavir Auto, the sole authorised dealer of Skoda India in the State, opened a 'triple S' showroom to offer sales, service and spare parts for Skoda cars in the coastal region. The dealer has notched up more than 6,000 units of Skoda models in the state. It is widely believed that the Indian arm of the Czech-based company would be setting up a showroom at Vijayawada as there are nearly 1,000 Skoda customers in and around that city.

According to a senior representative of Skoda India, the company which commenced its operations in India in 2001 could capture a 6 per cent market share in the luxury car segment from 4 per cent currently. The latest model, Fabia, was selling well and so far 5,000 cars had been sold, he added. He also pointed out that this was the country's only super hatch car, as of now.

The Czech company, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, came to India in November, 2001 and has a manufacturing facility at Shendra near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The company aims to launch SUVs, MUVs and a car that would be priced below their Fabia model. Skoda India will also be expanding its dealership across the country. Currently, it has 56 dealerships and by 2009, it will be increased to 75 countrywide.

Skoda Fabia is currently their cheapest offering in the Indian market. They also sell Octavia, Laura and Superb.

Old car or new?

This is totally dependent on your mentality. And of course, there is a price differential. So, it is better that you identify your needs first and then take a call on the one that suits your purposes.

For instance, if you are someone who is looking for a regular upgrade in say, every two-three years, then a second-hand car makes sense. Moreover, if this is your first car and you are trying to learn driving on it, a second-hand car definitely makes much more sense. On the other hand, if you are someone who is happy using the same vehicle for a number of years, then a new car is definitely recommended.

Of course, there are other important parameters like your negotiating skills and the previous owner. For instance, a Parsi owned car commands higher value as Parsis are known to maintain their cars very well. As a Parsi friend confesses, We do not believe in repair? we replace.? Whereas even the latest model in the hands of a Young Turk (a la Schumacher) would create imageries of burning tyres and engine on an overdrive.

Before buying any car, here are a few things you need to consider:

1. What is your budget for the car?

2. What is your monthly budget for the car?

3. How do you intend to use it? Within the city or even outside the city? (Heavy weight age towards the latter means that you need a MUV or multi-utility vehicle like Tata Sumo, Mahindra Bolero etc.)

4. How long do you intend to keep the vehicle?

Now that you have answered the above, you know whether you want a new or an old car. But before you go for that old car, get yourself a cool car mechanic that is, a trustworthy one who will check the car for you. Ask him to check all the parameters like tyres, suspension, cooling etc.