- Trax Compact SUV could rival Duster, EcoSport in India
- Trax in India could have a different name, as it could get into unwanted dispute with Force Motors which also sell the
- Chevrolet to enter 800cc segment with Spark mini
- UVA and Aveo and Optra to be discontinued
The compact SUV segment has been buzzing with the launch of Duster, upcoming Mahindra Quanto and yet to be launched Ford EcoSport. Chevrolet too is mulling over the launch of the Chevrolet Trax for the Indian market.
The Trax will debut at the upcoming Paris motor show, end of September. The Trax will be 4,248 mm long, a width of 1,776 mm and a wheelbase of 2,555 mm. The Trax is launched in India will not qualify for the under 4 metre segment unless Chevy tinkers with its dimensions which seems unlikely.
The Trax compact SUV could see a India launch in 2013-14 which seems to be a bit delayed compared to its competitors, but if launched with the right features and aggressive pricing could be a great product.
We noticed that the SUV cannot be launched with Trax nameplate as it is owned by Force Motors which are selling the Trax MUV for the last 20 years or so.
Chevrolet India has not been able to attract customers due to ageing product line-up and may also consider a product under the Spark. If sources are to be believed, Chevrolet may launch the Spark with a 800cc engine. Maruti will launch the new Alto 800, which is expected to be launched around the Diwali festive season. Hyundai too has entered the segment with the launch of Eon and Tata plans to launch the Nano with a bigger 800cc engine.
With the income levels of the middle class growing, many two-wheeler users are upgrading to four wheelers. These set of customers prefer to buy a mileage car with basic features like AC and music system.
With sales in 2012 showing a steady decline, Chevrolet India plans to bring in new models in the form of the Sail U-VA and Sail sedan followed by the Enjoy MPV. The company also discontinue the ageing UVA and Aveo and Optra which will be replaced by the new models.
New products, more diesel options specially in the compact car segment and a good marketing strategy could help the American car maker to increase its market share in India.
