Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 23, 2007
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Friday, Nov 23, 2007 ePaper |
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Tamil Nadu
Little luxuries: Various models of small cars that have hit the Indian roads on a display. Waiting for hours at a stop to catch a bus to your destination? Does the thought of a fellow commuter mindlessly stamping on your feet bother you? With legs aching, don’t you mind coughing up a good sum on an auto-rickshaw ride? How often you wish you could have a car of your own to put an end to all these mundane struggles? For long, owning a car remained a distant dream for the average middle-class family dependent on salary being the only financial source. But, it is not so any more. The advent of small cars with easy financial options has virtually revolutionised the personal four-wheel transportation in the country and with it brings in the question, how big is a small car? The growth of the small car segment is so much that it has created a serious dent in the sale of two-wheelers in recent time. A necessityAgrees R. Suseen, Director, Susee Cars and Trucks, “The overwhelming response from the people for entry-level cars has expanded the small car segment and it has also made this sector more competitive. Further, with a growing disposable income, owning a car is considered no more a luxury but a necessity.” A decade ago, affordability played on the minds of the sizeable middle-class. More than the actual cost, their views of recurring maintenance expenses restrained them from choosing this option. But it is not the case now. The growth of this sector is greatly contributed by the rise in number of nucleus family. With both spouses employed, the family finds it extremely important to venture out on holidays. Understanding the value of relaxation, they are in no mood to compromise on it, thereby preferring their own car for any travel to enjoy a day out. S. Muthu Pandian, Manager (Sales), ABT Maruti, says, “The small car segment enjoys 70 per cent market share in the Indian automobile industry. Still manufacturing companies are trying to swell the size.” Sensing tremendous market potential, the manufacturing companies are vying with one another to explore this segment. Interestingly, with the number of customers increasing in geometrical proportions, the number of companies entering the sector also proliferates. Many people wondered whether the small car segment will endure pressure from market forces and will it be able to face the future. Putting an end to all such speculations, small cars have created a market of their own. Shares P. Karmegam Mani, Managing Director, Solamalai Automobiles, “Almost 50 per cent of our customer base is for the small car segment. With manufacturers cutting down prices drastically, the gap between a high-end two-wheeler and a small car has narrowed, prompting a customer with an intention of purchasing a two-wheeler to go for a four-wheeler. There are plenty of innovative schemes on offer for the customer to exchange a two-wheeler for a four-wheeler with easy loan repayment options. It has now come to a stage that you can own a four-wheeler by paying a meagre sum of Rs.99 per day.” No differenceSmall car does have almost all features of a luxury sedan for a price much lesser than that. “Radial tyres, air-conditioning, power steering and side-impact protection have become standard features of small cars. The research and development wing of every manufacturing company is scratching its brain to introduce new technology every other day. But for the space inside the shell, there is not much difference between a luxury-sedan and a small car,” says Mr. Suseen. Mr. Karmegam Mani echoes: “Even the ignition keys for the small car now come with sensors as an effective anti-theft mechanism.” The segment will see a lot more technological inputs in future resulting in expansion in terms of price and variety. With entry of more players in this sector, the automobile industry is likely to benefit from this surge. But one cannot desist from wondering whether the roads can withstand the explosion. Though many are appalled at the traffic congestion and parking problems such upsurge might cause, as far as the manufacturing companies are concerned it is a matter for celebration. for the consumers, with a slew of cars in the price range of Rs.1 lakh to 2 lakh revving to roll out, it is party time. T. Saravanan
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