Focus diverts from hatchback segment to other segments at Auto Expo 2012

The 70% market share of hatchbacks is likely to go for a toss.  The 2012 Auto Expo has ironically given an insight into the future, which is more likely to be hatchback-free Indian car industry going forward. While the statement is too strong for the moment, but the number of conventionally fuel operated hatchbacks are quite few in number not more than five to six from the 18 car manufacturers we have seen taking part at the Auto Expo.

The focus is slowly being diverted to the other segments of the Indian car market like the SUV, MPV and above all the electrically powered car either solely propelled by the electric motors or on sidelines with the presence of the conventional petrol/diesel engine. The dazzling new concepts, technologically rich were on prime focus during the Auto Expo coming up with something which the consumers might not have thought it to be possible in the wildest imaginations.

We can literally count the hatchbacks or small cars brought to the Auto Expo this season on fingers starting with BMW Mini Cooper, BMW Mini Cooper S, Chevrolet Sail, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, Tata Nano CNG and Toyota Liva Sports, where the latter two are still the concepts.

On the other hand, the SUVs and the MPVs introduced at the Auto Expo has a long list of products which might take longer than anticipated to discuss each and every product on the list. However, it’s difficult to let it go so easily without actually bringing up at least a few models which did manage to steal the entire show. The Maruti Ertiga MPV for one, Ford EcoSport was another highlight, Tata Safari Storme cannot be dismissed out of the equation while it is a crime if we don’t mention the pride of the nation Tata Pixel, which basically the face of India to let the world know of how many light years of leap the country has taken into the future.