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Beyond HP, Mangalore (2025)

03/09/2024

The Tata Curvv has officially been launched in India with prices starting at Rs 10 lakh and going up to Rs 17.7 lakh. Here’s a detailed look at what the Curvv has to offer:

Engine Options and Pricing:
1. Engine Choices:
- 1.2-litre Turbo-Petrol**: 120hp, 170Nm
- 1.5-litre Diesel**: 118hp
- 1.2-litre Direct-Injection Turbo-Petrol**: 125hp, 225Nm

All engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission, and there’s an option for a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

2. Price Range:
- Entry-Level Petrol Variants: Starting at Rs 10 lakh
- Diesel Variants: Starting at Rs 11.5 lakh
- Direct-Injection Turbo-Petrol: Starting at Rs 14 lakh

3. Variants and Prices:
- Smart: ₹9.99 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹11.49 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Pure+: ₹10.99 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹12.49 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Creative: ₹12.19 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹13.69 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Creative S: ₹12.69 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹13.99 Lakh (Hyperion GDi MT) / ₹14.19 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Creative+ S: ₹13.69 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹14.99 Lakh (Hyperion GDi MT) / ₹15.19 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Accomplished S: ₹14.69 Lakh (Revotron Turbo Petrol MT) / ₹15.99 Lakh (Hyperion GDi MT) / ₹16.19 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel MT)
- Accomplished+ A: ₹17.49 Lakh (Hyperion GDi DCA) / ₹17.69 Lakh (Kryojet Diesel DCA)

4. Automatic Transmission Prices: starting prices, full price list yet to be revealed
- Revotron Turbo Petrol DCA: ₹12.49 Lakh
- Hyperion GDi DCA: ₹16.49 Lakh
- Kryojet Diesel DCA: ₹13.99 Lakh

Features:
- Interior: Dual-tone burgundy and black theme, similar to the Nexon and Nexon EV. It includes a powered tailgate with gesture control, flush door handles, a panoramic sunroof, reclining rear seats, ventilated front seats, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
- Safety: Six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ESC, disc brakes on all four wheels, TPMS, a 360-degree camera, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Competitors: among others
- Citroen Basalt coupe-SUV
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos

Booking Details:
- Current Prices Valid Until: October 31, 2024

Tata Motors aims to make the Curvv a strong contender in the midsize SUV market with its distinctive design and competitive pricing.

While media calls it aggressive pricing, I think it’s neither aggressive nor out of the park but apt for the range.

25/08/2024

We delve into a significant debate between car dealers and manufacturers in India over the current inventory levels and their implications for the auto market. It’s surprisingly strange to see the wide difference in claims by dealers and manufacturers on inventory levels. Here’s a detailed overview:

Inventory Discrepancies

- FADA's Report: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) claims that dealers are holding an inventory equivalent to 730,000 units, or 67-72 days of sales. This figure reflects concerns about an oversupply of cars due to declining demand.
- **Automakers' Report**: Car manufacturers dispute this, asserting that actual inventory levels are around 400,000-410,000 units, which they argue is half of what FADA reports.

Recent Trends

- Sales Decline: Passenger vehicle sales in India dropped 2.5% year-on-year to 341,000 units in July, marking the first decline in over two years. This decrease is attributed to weak demand, leading to an increased stockpile at dealerships.
- Inventory Growth: Inventory at dealerships increased from 60 days of stock in June to 70 days in July, despite efforts by manufacturers to cut dispatches to manage the excess stock.

Responses and Conflicts

- FADA's Requests: FADA has written to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) urging automakers to cut dispatches further and introduce more attractive schemes to help dealers reduce their inventory.
- SIAM's Stance: SIAM president Vinod Aggarwal suggests that FADA’s concerns are overstated and recommends direct communication between dealers and manufacturers rather than involving SIAM. He emphasizes the importance of keeping dealers satisfied to avoid negative impacts on manufacturers.

Data Collection Methods

- Dealers' Method: FADA claims their inventory data is based on hard data from wholesale reports and registration data from the VAHAN portal, adjusted for retail sales data.
- Automakers' Method: Automakers, like Maruti Suzuki, use chassis numbers (VINs) for a more precise count of vehicles. They argue that dealer surveys are less accurate and may exaggerate inventory levels.

Market Implications

- Crisil’s Forecast: Crisil has revised its growth forecast for the passenger vehicle market to lower single digits due to the high inventory levels and increased market discounts.
- Financial Impact: The high inventory is valued at INR 73,000 crore, assuming an average selling price of INR 10 lakh per vehicle. There are concerns about the disparity between this valuation and the actual loans extended by banks for inventory funding.

Additional Insights

- Inventory Management: Automakers suggest that the perceived excess stock may be a strategic move by dealers to manage inventory levels cautiously ahead of the festive season.
- Bank Loans: There is a discrepancy between the reported stock value and the amount of bank loans provided for inventory, raising questions about the true extent of inventory levels.

Conclusion

The article highlights the complexities and conflicts in the automotive industry regarding inventory management amidst slowing demand. The differing reports from dealers and manufacturers reflect broader challenges in accurately assessing stock levels and managing supply chains. This situation underscores the need for more transparent and consistent inventory reporting practices.

24/08/2024

Hyundai Motor India Ltd faces challenges as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO) amidst a shifting automotive market in India.

Valuation Adjustment
- Current Valuation: Hyundai's expected valuation for the IPO has been reduced to $16–20 billion from an earlier range of $25–30 billion.

Market Conditions
- Sales Decline: After a period of strong growth, passenger vehicle sales fell by 2.5% in July year-over-year. Discounts have been offered since May to manage inventory.
- Impact of Cooling Demand: Reduced demand has eased the strain on Hyundai’s production capacity but has also led to a lower valuation due to perceived weaker growth prospects.

Capacity Constraints
- High Utilization: Hyundai’s production capacity was at 96% in FY24, limiting its ability to increase output. This constraint has become less pressing with the slowdown in sales but still reflects overall growth challenges.
- Future Expansion: The company’s capacity will increase in the second half of 2025 with the addition of 130,000 units from the Talegaon factory, expected to lead to a modest 5-6% growth in FY25.

Financial Outlook
- Profit Projections:Hyundai is projected to make about $720 million in profit for FY24, but this is tempered by higher royalty payments and dividends, impacting overall profitability and cash flow.
- Future Profits: FY26 profits might be similar to or slightly higher than FY24, around $800 million.

Competitive Landscape
- Market Share: Hyundai's market share has declined to 14.2%. Despite a strong product portfolio with a focus on SUVs and advanced powertrains, the company has faced erosion in market share.
- Comparison with Rivals: Hyundai’s valuation at a price-to-earnings (PE) multiple of 20 would place it at $16 billion. At a higher valuation of $18.5 billion, the PE ratio would be 23, which is competitive but still below that of Maruti Suzuki. Maruti’s PE ratio has decreased from 28.9 to 26 in recent months.

Industry Insight
- Expert Opinion: Hyundai’s growth is closely tied to broader market trends. The company has a strong global franchise and product portfolio but needs to address market share erosion and improve its competitive positioning.

Overall, Hyundai is facing a challenging market environment with a cooling demand for vehicles, high production capacity utilization, and competitive pressures affecting its IPO valuation.

23/08/2024

Why are diesel engines louder than petrol engines?

The key reasons behind the noise differences are the nature of compression ignition, the properties of diesel fuel, and the design of diesel engines.

Here’s a quick summary for clarity:

1. Compression Ignition vs. Spark Ignition: Diesel engines use compression ignition, where air is compressed to high temperatures, causing the fuel to ignite spontaneously. This results in a more abrupt and forceful explosion compared to the controlled spark ignition in petrol engines.

2. Fuel Properties: Diesel fuel is denser and thicker, which contributes to louder injection sounds and adds to the overall noise of the engine.

3. Engine Design: Diesel engines typically have heavier and sturdier parts to withstand higher pressures, leading to more vibrations and noise.

4. Operational Characteristics: Diesel engines operate at lower speeds but with higher pressures, further amplifying noise levels.

Modern advancements have indeed reduced the noise of diesel engines, but their fundamental operational differences ensure they remain noisier than petrol engines.

Feel free to add any additional details or context as needed!

18/08/2024

Citroën Basalt All Variants Launch Price Revealed – Rs 8 Lakh To Rs 13.62 Lakh

Citroën India has officially launched the Basalt, marking a notable entry in the Indian automotive market as the country's first mainstream SUV coupé. The Basalt is priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 13.62 lakh, combining the rugged attributes of an SUV with the sleek, refined lines of a coupé. Deliveries are expected to commence in the first week of September, with Citroën’s 85 La Maison phygital showrooms across India ready to handle the rollout.

Citroën Basalt Pricing and Variants

The Basalt is offered in multiple variants, starting with the entry-level model priced at Rs 7.99 lakh. The lineup is as follows:

- 1.2 NA YOU: Rs 7,99,000
- 1.2 NA PLUS: Rs 9,99,000
- 1.2 TURBO PLUS: Rs 11,49,000
- 1.2 TURBO AT PLUS: Rs 12,79,000
- 1.2 TURBO MAX: Rs 12,28,000
- 1.2 TURBO AT MAX: Rs 13,62,000

A dual-tone option is available for the Max variants for an additional Rs 21,000.

Design and Features

The Citroën Basalt is designed to blend a bold SUV stance with the elegance of a coupé. Key exterior features include a Piano Black Signature front grille, urban diamond-cut R16 alloy wheels, and LED Vision Projector headlamps with 3D effect tail lamps. Its high approach and departure angles indicate its capability for rough terrains.

Inside, the Basalt focuses on comfort with features like the Advanced Comfort® suspension system, spacious cabin, and a first-in-segment Smart Tilt Cushion with adjustable thigh support for added comfort on long drives. The tropicalized auto AC with rear vents ensures a comfortable climate inside the cabin.

Technology and Safety

The Basalt features a 26 cm Citroën Connect Infotainment system with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The My Citroën Connect 2.0 system offers over 40 smart features, including remote engine start and geo-fencing. Safety is a priority, with the vehicle constructed from 85% high-grade steel and equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Aftersales and Service

Citroën’s aftersales network, L’Atelier Citroën, currently operates over 60 service centers and plans to expand to 100 by the end of the year, with a goal of 150 by 2025. This expansion includes the Citroën Service on Wheels, which offers common repairs at customers’ doorsteps, enhancing the convenience of ownership.

Executive Quotes

Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, commented, “The launch of the Citroën Basalt is a proud moment for us, reflecting our commitment to combining innovation with accessibility. The Basalt’s unique SUV Coupé design, advanced technology, and unmatched comfort cater to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. With strong initial bookings, we anticipate continued growth as more customers experience the Basalt.”

Shishir Mishra, Brand Director of Citroën India, added, “The Citroën Basalt is a significant leap into the future of automotive design. This SUV Coupé is crafted to offer a blend of spaciousness and practicality, embodying Citroën’s innovative spirit. We believe the Basalt will set a new benchmark in India, delivering a sophisticated yet accessible driving experience that aligns with Citroën’s core values of style, comfort, and performance.”

16/08/2024

The Virtus Saga

VW has had a rocky journey in India tbh. A lot of it is their own fault but that’s not the point of this post.
It even struggles with its positioning vs its (cheaper) sister brand Skoda.

However, Feb’24 to Jul’24 (six months) dispatches paint a very interesting story. Let the numbers speak first:

1. Virtus 9693
2. Verna 9192 (-501, -5%)
3. Slavia 7200 (-2493, -26%)
4. City 5994 (-3699, -38%)

And this is when it is due for facelift.

Brings about interesting questions:
1. Are Indians warming up to the German duos ?
2. Or are they enjoying perks of not so strong products by competition unlike what their SUV siblings face
3. Are discounts the contributory factor? If yes, then as Indians we find value in them but lower than competition?
4. What ails City? It is not polarizing as Verna. It is the strongest sedan nameplate running for more than 25 years now.

15/08/2024

Big change: Maruti to report sales and not dispatches

Maruti Suzuki is making a significant shift in how it reports its sales figures by moving from factory dispatches to vehicle registrations through the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways' (MoRTH) Vahan portal. This change is intended to better align car supply with actual demand and enhance transparency in the sales process.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

1. Shift to Registration Data: Instead of reporting factory dispatches (which indicate the number of cars sent to dealers), Maruti Suzuki will now base its monthly sales reports on vehicle registrations as recorded in the Vahan portal. This approach is aimed at providing a more accurate reflection of actual demand and improving transparency.

2. Incentives Based on Vahan Data: Dealers will now earn incentives based on their performance according to Vahan registration data. This new incentive structure is designed to eliminate issues like bogus retailing and ensure that dealers are rewarded for actual sales rather than merely receiving shipments of vehicles.

3. Industry-Wide Advocacy: Maruti Suzuki is advocating for this method to be adopted across the industry. Partho Banerjee, a senior executive at Maruti, confirmed that discussions are underway with other carmakers through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) to adopt Vahan-based reporting.

4. Current Practices: MG Motor India and Tata Motors are already using Vahan registration data for dealer incentives, setting a precedent that Maruti Suzuki is now following.

5. Implementation Timeline: Starting in August, Maruti Suzuki will link dealer incentives to Vahan registration data. Over time, all types of dealer incentives will be tied to this data.

Overall, Maruti Suzuki’s strategy aims to enhance transparency in the automotive market and ensure that dealer incentives are more closely aligned with actual vehicle sales rather than just the volume of cars dispatched.

14/08/2024

Finally it has been unveiled (After practically revealing it earlier 😂)

Starting price of 12.99 lakhs ex-showroom for petrol RWD and 13.99 lakhs for diesel RWD is quite interesting.

What is slightly odd is the top kink of the rear door. Odd.

Otherwise decent package. Has soft touch interiors, powered drivers seat, ventilated seats etc.

Now onto full price reveal tomorrow

08/08/2024

Kia India has reached an impressive milestone, becoming the fastest carmaker to sell 1 million units domestically in India. This achievement came just 59 months after Kia entered the Indian market in 2019, underscoring the brand's swift growth and strong acceptance among Indian consumers.

Key Highlights:

- Rapid Growth: Kia's success is attributed to models like the Kia Seltos, which has significantly contributed to the sales figures, followed by the Sonet and Carens.
- Premium Appeal: 42% of Kia's sales come from high-end trims, indicating a shift in Indian consumer preferences towards premium features.
- Technological Innovation: Kia has driven the adoption of advanced transmission technologies, including automatic transmissions and Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), showcasing a growing interest in cutting-edge automotive technologies.
- Annual Sales Surge: From 45,226 units in 2019 to a peak of 255,000 units in 2023, Kia’s sales have surged, with over 1.5 lakh units sold in just the first seven months of 2024.
- Expanding Network: With 588 touchpoints across 256 cities, Kia's growing network supports its expanding footprint in India.
- Export Success: Kia India has also been successful in exporting vehicles, dispatching over 2.6 lakh units to more than 100 markets, pushing cumulative sales, including exports, close to 1.3 million units.

Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer of Kia India, praised the brand’s achievements, emphasizing the significance of reaching this milestone amid diverse challenges and competition. He highlighted Kia's commitment to innovation and hinted at upcoming global flagships and new models to further bolster Kia’s position in the Indian automotive industry.

07/08/2024

Next gen Honda Amaze spied ahead of debut!

The next-gen Honda Amaze has been spotted ahead of its global debut, with the new model expected to hit the market by the end of this year.

Deliveries are likely to begin in January 2025. The first spy shots provide a glimpse of the upcoming model, which will compete with the likes of the Dzire and Aura.

New Amaze will continue to be petrol-only
Will rival to the Dzire and Aura
Expected to get more features and Tech

The test vehicle was seen on the outskirts of Delhi, heavily camouflaged. While the design details are unclear, the overall shape resembles the current model. It seems the next-gen Amaze will retain its slab-sided look, with modern design touches.

Details from the spy shots include smokey-finished tail lamps, a reverse camera, a shark fin antenna, and three fixed headrests for the rear passengers, similar to the Honda City. The test mule appears to be being tested for emission testing.

The new Amaze will be built on the Honda City's platform but will have a shorter wheelbase to fit within the sub-four-metre length. The current Amaze has a wheelbase of 2,470mm, shorter than the City's 2,600mm.

The new Amaze will continue to be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, available with a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission. There are also rumors about CNG-powered variants in the future.

This new model will face stiff competition, with the all-new Dzire set to arrive a few months earlier. The entry-level sedan will also compete with compact SUVs and sub-compact models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. Currently, the Amaze, priced between Rs 7.20 lakh and Rs 9.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), accounts for almost 25% of Honda's total sales.

05/08/2024

Citroen has officially unveiled the production-spec Basalt coupe-SUV for India, marking the fourth model in its C-Cubed program designed for the Indian market.

It joins the Tata Curvv in the emerging midsize coupe-SUV segment.

Engine Options:

1.2 NA Petrol with 5 Speed Manual
80 Bhp 115 N-m

1.2 Turbo Petrol
6 Speed Manual - 110 Bhp 190 N-m
6 Speed Automatic - 110 Bhp 205 N-m

On the exterior, The front closely resembles the C3 Aircross, featuring a two-part grille and the Chevron logo. The back looks very close to the design sketches with the Sloping coupe design.

The SUV rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and offers five monotone color options: Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Cosmo Blue, and Garnet Red. The white and red options come with an optional contrast black roof.

Basalt shares its dashboard with the C3 Aircross but includes updates. The new features include

Climate Control
Front and Rear Arm Rests
Floor Mounted Rear AC Vents
Segment First Adjustable thigh support

The Basalt also includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15W wireless smartphone charger, and connected car tech.

The Basalt is equipped with six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitor as standard.

It will compete directly with the Tata Curvv and other midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Honda Elevate, entering a hotly contested market with its unique coupe-SUV design and Competent powertrain options.

Beyond HP

03/09/2024

25/08/2024

24/08/2024

23/08/2024

18/08/2024

16/08/2024

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