Hyundai to focus on other segments instead.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd. showcased the Hyundai i30 at the Auto Expo this year, but fans of the C-Segment hatchback are in for some disappointment. Speaking to Indian Autos Blog, a person in the know of the company's future plans, said that there is no room for the i30 in the Indian market.
"With the second-gen i20, Hyundai took the hatchback segment up a notch, and with the i20 Active, some customers pay nearly INR 10 lakhs for it. On the other hand, you've some buyers spending the same amount of money on a Verna or an entry-level Creta, so I don't think a more expensive hatchback will find takers in a country like India", he said.
"Pricing will be a major concern, because the i30 definitely needs to have an automatic transmission to appeal", he said. The Hyundai i20 AT costs INR 9 lakhs, ex-Showroom and its not a top-end variant, so an i30 AT with all the bells-and-whistles could come dangerously close to the Hyundai Elantra in terms of pricing, a recipe for certain failure.
"Yes, Hyundai is keen on launching premium products, but the segment is more important. The Tucson is a premium segment, but the volumes will be justifiable", the person concluded.
Also read: Hyundai Creta (ix25) 1.6T launched in China
In the immediate future, Hyundai India's plans include the 2016 Tucson, the all-new 2017 Hyundai Verna, facelifts for existing products Grand i10 and Xcent, and a new sub-4 meter SUV to take on the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Further ahead, the company is reportedly looking at bringing the Genesis brand here.
