Despite a slowdown and a growing inflation rate in India, car makers are planning to move their lineup upmarket in an attempt to build their brand image in the future and to meet demand for larger models from Indian customers.
Honda will soon launch our outgoing Accord saloon which will be lightly upgraded when reaching the Indian shores. Price remains unknown, but Honda will keep a price tag similar to European prices. Toyota will introduce the current Corolla in an attempt to take on the established Honda Civic which dominates sales compact segment there. Hyundai will also join the fight as the Korean carmaker will launch the i30 to replace the poor selling Elantra. Hyundai will also bring the Santa Fe to India. The 2.2-litre common rail diesel model will be launched later in the year. On the SUV segment, Mitsubishi will launch the Outlander.
European carmakers have also plans to bring bigger models. Along with the Passat and Touareg, Volkswagen hopes to increase its Indian sales by selling the Jetta.
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