TVS SUZUKI TO LAUNCH TWELVE NEW MODELS

TVS-Suzuki Ltd is planning to roll out 12 new models over the next 18 months.

The company plans to invest Rs100 crore each year for the next three years, to devise new engine platforms and introduce 12 new models.

The new models will cover all the three segments - Motor-cycle, Moped and Scooter. And the company's marketing focus will be the rural segment, which is expected to form 65% of the total market in the next 5 years. Speaking to newspersons at the 'Auto Focus-2000,' Coimbatore, sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),
R. Chandramouli, Vice-President (Business Planning), maintained that the market in the rural segment was poised to grow in a big way

The company has decided to stop producing its top-end power bikes - Shogun and Shaolin, because of dropping sales and the high cost involved in reworking the bikes, to conform to the latest emission norms. However they plan to continue service support and are currently clearing inventory.

They will continue to sell the popular 2-stroke bike Samurai which has been fitted with a catalytic convertor to make it emission standard compliant. In the current fiscal year (2000-2001) they are planning to launch a Sports Moped, an upgraded version of the Scooty, with hydraulic shock absorbers and a new version of the recently launched Fiero. The company is also planning to relaunch the
4-stroke Spectra and is currently reworking its brand positioning. Based on these new expectations, they have set their vision to market one million vehicles in the current fiscal year 2000-2001.

A PREVIEW OF THE HYUNDAI SONATA

After the success of the Santro and the Accent, Hyundai - the eighth largest car company in the world, plans to ride higher, with a car that should redefine the luxury segment. But the Octavia from Skoda, will be the first in this niche.

The Sonata - positioned between the existing luxury and the super-luxury segment, is much larger than the Accent.

There's no mistaking the Sonata's lineage. The familiar jaw and the hooded eyes are reminiscent of the other two cars from Hyundai. The Sonata has a pronounced overhang at both ends. Its features include large tail lights, plush interiors, power assist steering, a minimum turning radius of 5.26 mts, aluminium alloy and 15-inch wheels.

Fuel consumption will be a trifle disturbing. But for those going in for this car (pegged tentatively at Rs 12 lakh), this may not be a limiting factor.

The corporate campaign will include exposure on English and Hindi films. Car clinics will help consumers get a feel of the car.

It may take a while before the Sonata does actually roll out. But the talk and the hype today, is just the start of things to come.

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