The Interesting No. 3

It is very interesting. Suzuki is the undisputed number 1 in India in terms of car sales. For many years, it has been retaining this crown and in the near future, we are not able to see a possibility of anybody else (whether Hyundai or Honda or Mahindra) overtaking Suzuki.

Suzuki is just miles ahead of competition. The gap between it and others are just too wide. The number 2 is Hyundai which is bombarding the market intermittently with new models to be in the race.

Now, the number three comes into the picture. Who is number three? It is regularly switchable between Honda and Mahindra. For a month, Honda is no. 3 and for next month, Mahindra gets this position. 

So, what is interesting? 

Interesting thing is that at no. 3 is Suzuki. 

How it can be? Is not Suzuki no. 1?

Yes, Suzuki is no. 1 as far new cars sold are concerned. At no. 3 is Suzuki's used car business called 'True Value'. 

A report in the Business Standard says:

Maruti Suzuki is not only the country’s largest passenger vehicle company. If you go by volumes of pre-owned cars sold, it occupies the third slot in the passenger vehicle industry. Maruti’s pre-owned or used car business has grown to a record 358,000 units (in 2014-15).

The sheer volume of units sold, makes True Value (Maruti’s pre-owned car business) the third-largest domestic passenger vehicle seller (irrespective of new or old) after Maruti (at 1.17 million) and Hyundai Motor (at 420,000).

If things remain so, one day, probably Suzuki at no. 1 will be staring at itself for competition in the form of its old car business at no. 2.  

Honda BR-V: Coming Soon to India?

Honda has hinted that there is strong possibility of the introduction of its compact SUV BR-V in India next year. The company had released a couple of design sketches and few other details of this SUV a few days ago. It is expected that the crossover will be based on the versatile Brio platform, but media speculations are on rife that the vehicle could also use the Jazz platform. The later platform is more expensive of the two.

Honda officials said that the Honda BR-V is more appropriate to take the base of Jazz. If this statement turns into reality, the BR-V will be the fourth Honda to be based on the premium hatchback platform. Currently, the City, the HR-V or Vezel and the Shuttle use the Jazz platform.

Interestingly, Honda Car India has imported three units of the Brio SUV in India for R&D (Research & Development) purpose. It is expected that the BR-V is the Brio SUV, which is expected to make Indian debut at the 2016 Delhi Motor Show. However, nothing concrete on the same has been revealed by the manufacturer.

In India, Honda is likely to use the Brio platform to price the crossover competitive to the market. The Jazz platform is comparatively more expensive than the Brio; however, Honda Car India manages to achieve over 90 per cent of localisation.

This compact SUV will be a seven-seater car and will be powered by Honda's tried and tested 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol motor as well as the recently developed 1.5 litre diesel engine. 

Honda – Heading towards No. 3

Honda is all set to become the third biggest car maker in India, behind Suzuki and Hyundai. As per car sales data for the month of June, Honda was behind the current No. 3 i.e. Mahindra & Mahindra by just 464 units. While M & M sold 16780 units during this month, Honda sold 16316 units. M & M is on a slightly declining path, with its sales down 3 per cent compared to the same month last year, Honda sales grew by 75 per cent on account of good sales of Amaze and City. Now, with Honda Mobilio scheduled to be launched on 23^rd July, company’s sales figure are very much likely to surpass that of M & M.

Earlier, Honda had only petrol cars to offer and could not sustain the onslaught by the diesel cars. Its sales dwindled month after month and introduction of Jazz just proved to be a disaster because of its price (Rs. 7 lakh), which was right according to the product but people could not digest that a hatchback, a petrol hatchback could be so pricey.

With Amaze, Honda brought diesel engine and affordability for its customers. And that was a success. City was another winning shot for Honda. And if priced right, Mobilio is likely to be another hit from Honda.