Top 25 selling cars in India for January 2023

The top 25 list comprises of cars from Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, and Kia, surprisingly thanks to its Amaze, Honda too got an entry this month. All the 25 cars put together contributed 2,77,600 unit sales to the whole industry.

January 2023 top 25 sellers:

As usual and as always, Maruti dominated the list this month with 7 cars in top 10, and 10 cars in top 25 list. Total contribution to the top 25 stood at a whopping 49.10%. Alto reclaimed its number 1 position while Baleno fell from previous month’s number 1 to number 4 this month.

Hyundai, with 42,720 units it contributed 15.39% to the top 25 list. Only one car got a position in top 10 list, it’s Creta with an all time high sales on 15,037 units. The other cars from the stable which got into the list were Venue, i10 Grand, and i20.

Tata, with just 440 units lesser than Hyundai contributed 15.23% of the total sales with 42,280 units. Nexon is its top seller, its sales stood at 15,567 units, Punch as usual found 12,000 new homes, Tiago rose substantially to 9,032 units from its usual numbers of 4,000 to 5,000. Altroz too showed a slight improvement in sales at 5,675 units.

Kia and Mahindra got 3 positions each in the top 25 list. With 27,631 units and 23,076 units both Kia and Mahindra contributed 9.95% and 8.31% respectively. Mahindra’s top seller is Scorpio while Kia’s is Seltos.

Unusual entry this month is Honda Amaze with 5,580 units and 2.00% contribution to the list.

December 2022 top 25 sellers list for comparison:

Source: AutoPunditz

Poem on Tata Motors by ChatGPT

Asked ChatGPT to write a poem on Tata Motors, here’s what it wrote:

Tata Motors, the pride of India,
A name that’s synonymous with trust,
From trucks to cars, they do it all,
A company that’s built to last.

With a legacy of excellence,
And a commitment to innovation,
Tata Motors is leading the way,
In the automotive revolution.

From the Nano to the Hexa,
Their cars are built to impress,
With style, performance and safety,
They’re sure to leave you impressed.

Tata Motors, the pride of India,
A name that’s synonymous with trust,
From trucks to cars, they do it all,
A company that’s built to last.

With a vision to be world-class,
And a mission to make a difference,
Tata Motors is leading the way,
In the automotive industry’s persistence.

With a heart of a lion,
Tata Motors roars loud,
With quality and excellence,
It’s a brand that stands proud.

So here’s to Tata Motors,
A company that’s truly great,
May they continue to innovate,
And dominate the industry’s fate.

Did you try ChatGPT, if not try it, it’s fun! Don’t forget to comment the replies you got from OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Why manufacturers are choosing Monocoque structures over Body-on-Frame structures, and FWDs over RWDs

Manufacturers are shifting more towards monocoque structures and away from body-on-frame structures for several reasons.

1. Weight savings: Monocoque structures are generally lighter than body-on-frame structures. This results in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
2. Improved handling: Monocoque structures provide better handling and a more stable ride. The body and frame are integrated into one unit, which improves the car’s torsional rigidity and reduces the body roll.
3. Safety: Monocoque structures offer improved safety features as they can better absorb and distribute crash energy. They also allow for the integration of advanced safety features, such as crumple zones.
4. Space efficiency: Monocoque structures allow for more efficient use of interior space as the floor can be lower and the seats can be higher. This results in more interior room and improved visibility.
5. Cost: Monocoque structures can be more cost-effective to produce than body-on-frame structures, especially for high-volume production vehicles.

Manufacturers are also shifting towards front-wheel-drive architectures for several reasons.

1. Weight savings: Front-wheel-drive cars have a smaller and lighter drivetrain than rear-wheel-drive cars, which results in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
2. Improved handling: Front-wheel-drive cars have better weight distribution, which results in improved handling and a more stable ride. They also have a smaller turning radius, which makes them more maneuverable in tight spaces.
3. Space efficiency: Front-wheel-drive cars have a more efficient use of interior space as the engine and transmission are located at the front of the car, which allows for more interior room and improved visibility.
4. Cost: Front-wheel-drive cars can be more cost-effective to produce than rear-wheel-drive cars, especially for high-volume production vehicles.
5. Safety: Front-wheel-drive cars offer improved safety features as they have better traction in wet and slippery conditions.

It’s worth noting that these are general trends and there are still examples of manufacturers producing cars with body-on-frame and rear-wheel-drive architectures. And also, some manufacturers have started to adopt the hybrid drivetrain and electric drivetrain for their cars, this further improves the fuel efficiency and reduce the emissions.

Comment what do you think about these trends, which one you prefer and why.

Image sources: 1, 2

Tata Motors opens bookings for its BS-VI Passenger Vehicles Range

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Tata Motors announced that the bookings are open for its completely refreshed product portfolio, which will consist of the BS-VI models of the Tiago, Tigor, and the Nexon. With this portfolio launch, Tata Motors officially migrates to Bharat Stage-VI in the passenger vehicles segment. The new range of BS-VI products will sport revamped designs with all-new features and is set to be priced higher than their predecessors.

Customers can book these products with an amount of INR 11,000 by visiting the nearest Tata Motors authorized dealership or their respective product websites. The said BS-VI range of products will be launched nationwide later this month.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors has been vigorously working towards a seamless transition to BS-VI. We are delighted to have reached this milestone and are elated to be the first in the business to announce the introduction of an entire range of BS-VI products at once. This newly designed and refreshed range is in alignment with sustainability guidelines while still delivering segment leading performance. We hope that our new range will contribute towards a cleaner and greener India while providing innovative transport solutions to customers and industry alike.”

With class leading design aesthetics, the entire range brings into play the Impact 2.0 Design language. A brief description of the products is as follows:

Tiago:

The new Tiago sports a more confident and mature look. Providing a thrilling experience along with comfort and convenience, this hatch is sure to lure its customer set. To book the new Tata Tiago customers can visit https://www.tatatiago.com/

Tigor:

The new Tigor is confident yet understated and offers an executive-oriented design to its customers. With its stylish look and enhanced technology, the Tigor delivers absolute performance while providing regal comfort to its occupants. To book the new Tata Tigor customers can visit https://tigor.tatamotors.com/

Nexon:

With its aggressive, sporty and modern look, the Nexon is one of the most popular Compact SUVs that has been well received all. With a complete new face, this new Nexon will be revolutionary not only in terms of technology but will offer its customers with enhanced convenience in all aspects. To book the new Tata Nexon customers can visit https://nexon.tatamotors.com/

BS-VI transition has been one of the primary areas of focus for Tata Motors. With this new range, the Company plans to streamline its portfolio to bring performance and feature enhanced products to its customers.

Press release

March 2019 sub 4 meter SUVs sales

Sub 4 meter SUV sales in March 2019 in India

• Vitara Brezza remained the undisputed king of the segment despite it not having petrol engine on offer is holding on to its numbers, it is even growing incrementally. This March it grew by 8% from 13147 units in March-2018 to 14181 units.
• Tata Nexon is holding good despite the new entries like Mahindra XUV300 and updated Ecosport, infact its sales grew further owing to its 5 star safety rating in global NCAP tests. By a sales uptick of 27%, Nexon is the biggest gainer in the segment.
• New entrant in the segment Mahindra XUV300 got a good response from the market but it can be challenged by upcoming Hyundai Venue.
• Ecosport sales declined by 21% despite the update owing to competition from XUV300.
• Honda WRV is bound to decline further with the introduction of Hyundai Venue. This march it declined by 42%.
• Mahindra TUV300 is the only ladder-frame SUV in the segment, it declined by a whopping 65%.
• Overall segment grew by 6% from 30685 units to 32519 units. The segment is bound to expand further with the entry of Hyundai Venue.

Source: AutoPunditz

Tata Harrier moves past Compass and XUV-500 in march 2019 sales

Sales of SUVs >4m (excluding premium and luxury SUVs):

Tata Harrier, new entrant in the segment managed to overtake Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV500 in march 2019 sales by a good margin. Harrier’s prime competitors are Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass, and Mahindra XUV500. Tata Harrier is placed uniquely that it competes with Creta in pricing while undercutting Compass by a huge margin. What remains to be seen is will it hold on to the sales momentum or will it decline in the upcoming months. Competition in segment is going further intensify with the launch of MG Hector, Kia SP2, and Citreon Aircross.

Tata Harrier gallery:

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Source: AutoPunditz

March 2019 car sales in India

Overall car sales in March 2019 declined by 2.8% when compared to March 2018 due to various reasons. One prominent reason being companies adjusting their inventories so that all the non-confirming stock is cleared before the new safety norms kick-in in April 2019. According to the new norms, all the cars must come fitted with ABS and non-ABS cars will not be registered post 31st March 2019, thus companies are in a rush to sell and register existing stock before April and are cutting on manufacturing of non-ABS models.

This inventory adjustments along with reasons like upcoming elections and market slump led to degrowth of 2.8%.

• All the OEMs barring Mahindra, Honda, and Toyota saw a decline in sales.
• Maruti’s regular sales channel remained neutral while the premium Nexa channel declined by 6%. Nexa channel needs more models to arrest the sales decline and make it positive.
• Interestingly Maruti’s market share grew by 0.7% from 49.8% in March 2018 to 50.5% in March 2019 while the overall sales declined by 1.5%.
• Hyundai’s market and sales both declined by 0.8% and 8% respectively.
• Mahindra’s sales grew by 5% while the market share grew by 0.6% from 8.4% to 9%.
• Despite the newly launched Harrier, Tata Motors’ sales degrew by 12% and market share fell by 0.7%.
• But the overall FY-2019 sales of Tata Motors saw an uptick of 12.18% which is the highest among all OEMs in India FY-2019. Standing next to Tata Motors is Honda with 8.09% growth owing amazing response to its facelifted Amaze. (Refer FY-2019 sales report for more)
• Honda just short by 600 units stood at 5th position in the March 2019 sales chart next to Tata. Thanks to new Amaze, Honda’s sales grew by 27% and market share grew by 1.4% which is highest market share growth among all OEMs.
• There’s nothing new to write about Toyota, it is riding on the sales of Innova Crysta and Fortuner while the Yaris can be termed as a flop. Toyota’s sales grew by 2% and market share grew by 0.3%.
• Ford is running thriving on domestic sales of Ecosport and exports. Its sales degrew by 8% and its market share stood at 2.9%. Ford despite having the competent Figo twins is struggling to get good numbers.
• The sole breadwinner for Renault India is Kwid and its sales are gradually declning, Captur’s launch isn’t helping improve the situation. Duster is long in the tooth and needs interior-exterior design overhaul to revive its sales. Renault’s sales declined by 7% while market share declined by 0.1%.
• Nissan India’s situation is much worse compared to its alliance partner Renault. Despite having the mass market brand like Datsun its sales(Nissan+Datsun) fell by a whopping 41% and market share decline by 0.7%.
• Volkswagen India’s sales and market share declined by 26% and 0.3% respectively. Introduction of Ameo isn’t helping the company, it is in dire need of portfolio expansion and uplifts for existing products. Volkswagen laid out a new strategy called India 2.0 wherein Skoda India will lead its India journey.
• FCA India is at the verge of closing its Fiat India operations while the Jeep brand remains. FCA’s overall sales fell by 31.3% and market share fell by 0.2% due to fall in Jeep Compass sales. The groups sole breadwinner is Jeep Compass, the car received good market response but sales declined gradually over time.
• Skoda’s sales fell by 6% while its market share remained unchanged at 0.5%.

Source: AutoPunditz

YES BANK signs MoU with Kia Motors in India

Mumbai, January 11, 2019: YES BANK, India’s fourth largest private sector Bank, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kia Motors, world’s eighth largest automaker, to enter into a strategic financing partnership, making it one of the first Indian banks to become their preferred financier. The benefits of this partnership will be extended to the entire auto value chain – Auto dealers as well as customers, covering multiple car models offered by Kia Motors India.

Kia Motors is set to enter Indian market by second half of 2019 with an all-new mid-SUV which was previewed at 2018 Auto Expo. The partnership will utilize YES BANK’s capabilities to provide a comprehensive range of attractive financing options for Kia Motors’ customers in India, helping support the company’s continued growth and expansion plans in different geographies.

Through the partnership, YES BANK will be able to provide end to end financial solutions to Kia Motors India. The Bank will offer financing and banking solutions to both the Kia car dealers with products such as Term Loans, Cash Credit, Inventory funding etc. as well as the end consumers. The Bank will work towards satisfying the customers’ needs through auto loans with easy monthly repayment plans best suited for individual consumers. Moreover, YES BANK will also leverage its chat bot based platform, YES mPower bot, allowing it to deliver superior customer experience with 1 min loan approval across all the retail touch points.

Speaking about the partnership, Pralay Mondal, Senior Group President and Head, Retail and Business Banking, YES BANK said, “YES BANK is pleased to partner global auto manufacturer Kia Motors in India. The Bank has been working with various auto players to provide innovative finance solutions, thereby further strengthening our position in the competitive value driven car segment and also contributing to the growth of the segment in the country.”

“It is our endeavor to enhance the experience of our prospective customers and add more value to our dealer partners in India. The partnership with YES BANK will definitely set the benchmark of premium and hassle-free Kia experience. This partnership will empower our stakeholders and customers with financial products specifically tailored for them to facilitate their smooth entry into the world of Kia,” said Kookhyun Shim, MD & CEO, Kia Motors India. “Kia Motors India aims at creating excitement in the automobile industry with best in class innovative solutions meeting overall needs of our partners and customers likewise,” he added.

The partnership will focus on providing easy financing opportunities for the dealers and also make it easy for eligible buyers to acquire brand new Kia vehicles. Besides providing financing solutions, YES BANK will also work towards developing exclusive digital banking solutions for Kia Motors in India.

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• Banking and finance solutions for both dealers and buyers of Kia Motors India
• YES BANK to develop exclusive digital banking solutions for Kia Motors India
• Amongst the first banks in India to sign the MoU with Kia Motors India for a banking partnership

Source: Yes Bank Press Release

Media drive started for performance variants of Tiago & Tigor twins

As per the tweet by Sirish Chandran, Tata Motors has started media drive for Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP.

Exciting day! Sampling first (official) go-faster cars from an Indian manufacturer. Jayem Tata Special Vehicles #JTSV is to @TataMotors what Abarth is to Fiat! Yay! Tiago #JTP & Tigor #JTP</a> with higher output turbo-petrol motor are launch cars#JTPRacerAtHeartpic.twitter.com/gNTZ5PF0aF

— Sirish Chandran (@SirishChandran) October 24, 2018

It is a known fact that Tata Motors has been working along with Jayem Automotives of Coimbatore to make performance variants of Tiago and Tigor twins. Tata and Jayem together rolled out a 50:50 joint venture called JT Special Vehicles Pvt Ltd.

JT Special Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. will develop a range of performance vehicles in a phased manner at a dedicated line, currently being explored at Coimbatore. With all processes including design, precision machining, assembly, and testing facilities driven under one roof, this facility will aim to deliver the next level of personalization and enhanced performance with agility and efficiency.

Through this partnership the JTP (Jayem Tata Performance) range of cars will make it possible for a large consumer audience to experience the thrill of driving. It also aims at enhancing the product portfolio of TATA MOTORS, by offering exciting, emotion charged products. JTP will appeal to customers with a hidden streak of adventure who are looking for more than just a solution to the daily commute.

According to the product note from Tata Motors:

The Tiago JTP & Tigor JTP are the first two products from this new exciting range. They have been developed to deliver high performance through enhanced power and torque output using the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with performance oriented intake and exhaust systems. The engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission with optimized gear ratios for superior acceleration and extraordinary performance. It also features multi drive modes – City and Sports for the best of both- sheer performance or efficiency while negotiating every day traffic. The suspension has been tuned for precision with reduced ground clearance for improved handling.

The Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP features a new front end with large grill, smoked projector headlamps, bonnet and fender vents. 15” diamond cut alloy wheels and side skirts enhance the side profile while a diffuser on the rear bumper carries the sporty theme to the rear. Smoked projector headlamps not only provide great illumination but add a touch of aggression to the front .The interiors feature an all-black theme with sporty accents on AC vents, premium leather seats & steering with contrast red stitching.

The Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP also feature dual front airbags and next-gen ABS with EBD and Corner stability control for absolute safety in all driving conditions. For enhanced connectivity and a best in class infotainment experience – they come with infotainment system by Harman™ with 8 speakers for a surround sound like effect.

Technical Specifications:

About Jayem Automotives:

Jayem Automotives is an independent Automotive R & D Company involved in design, development, testing and manufacturing of a wide range of automotive components, systems and prototypes. The company has been contracted by MRF Limited to manufacture and run the Indian Formula Ford Championship since 2008 & Formula 2000 since 2012 respectively.

About Tata Motors:

Tata Motors Limited is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of INR 2, 75, 561 crores (USD 41.6 billion) in 2015-16. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 9 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top in passenger vehicles. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, CIS and Russia.

“Best Global Brands 2018” – the star shines: Mercedes-Benz is the world’s most valuable premium automobile brand

Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz was able to further increase its brand value and is once again the world’s most valuable premium car brand. In the current “Best Global Brands 2018” ranking by the renowned U.S. brand consulting company Interbrand, Mercedes-Benz again climbed places in the top ten most valuable global brands and now is ranked on 8^th place. Mercedes-Benz is still the only European brand in the top ten. Compared with 2017, the value of the brand grew by two percent to 48.6 billion dollars. Mercedes-Benz has continually increased its value since 2009.

“It is great news that the value of the Mercedes-Benz brand has further increased”, says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. “Once again we are the world’s most valuable premium automobile brand and are thus holding our ground in a field surrounded by big technology and consumer brands. We are delighted that people reward our new products such as the fully-electric EQC, our bold marketing campaigns such as the Grow Up campaign and new dialogue formats such as the ‘me Convention’.”

The strengths of the Mercedes-Benz brand lie in its long tradition, great innovative strength, the will to constantly reinvent itself and the abiding principle of its founding fathers only to be satisfied with the best. From the invention of the automobile to the largest manufacturer of luxury vehicles and a provider of comprehensive mobility services – Mercedes-Benz always looks for the best answers to the mobility needs of people.

Global study on brand valuation This year marks the 19th time that the annual “Best Global Brands” study has been published by Interbrand. The study is considered by leading CEOs worldwide to represent the competitive benchmark for the value of international brands. The study is designed to identify the world’s 100 most valuable brands. Interbrand’s brand valuation considers the three aspects “financial performance of the brand’s products or services”, “role of the brand in the purchase decision-making process” and “strength of the brand in relation to safeguarding the company’s future revenue”. This method is the first one to be successfully certified according to ISO 10668:2010 – an international standard that defines the basic requirements on procedures and methods for determining the monetary value of a brand.

Mercedes-Benz also occupies first place among worldwide premium automobile manufacturers in the current “Global 500 2018” ranking by the US brand valuation company Brand Finance. 500 brands were examined in the course of this study. Mercedes-Benz is in 15th place (20th place in 2017) as the most valuable European brand, with a brand value of 43.9 billion dollars (a 24 percent increase over 2017). The jury expressly recognized the modernization of the brand, and the marketing and social media activities to reach new, younger target groups.

The complete Best Global Brands ranking can be found under at www.bestglobalbrands.com

Source: Daimler Press Release