Mumbai, August 28: After bringing their much aspirated ‘Terracan’ and then later ‘Tuscon’ to Indian shores, they did received response but negatively. The Terracan was not able to establish its market in the country; it may be because of its unreasonable ‘value for money’ or the vehicle’s appeal which not really exaggerated the buyers to put their hands over. Now they plan for Santa Fe and an another 800cc hatchback
Korean carmaker Hyundai Motors plans to launch its sports utility vehicle ‘Santa Fe’ in India by next year. The company is also planning to launch an 800cc small car in the country by 2011.
Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India, H S Lheem informed, “We will be bringing in the Santa Fe to India by next year and we also hope to bring our smaller car than Santro, which will be an 800 cc vehicle, by 2011.”
He, however, did not divulge details like price range of the two cars. Hyundai Motor India, India’s largest car exporter is also planning to raise its sales in the overseas market this year.
”Last year, we exported 2.45 lakh units to over 100 countries from India. This year we are targeting an exports figure of 2.7 lakh units,” Lheem said targeting increase in domestic sales.
The carmaker is also shifting the production base of hatchback i20 to one of its European plants. “This will be done to save logistics expenses and import duty in the European market,” Lheem added.
The company is launching the SUV as the Indian market has emerged to be one of the fastest developing market and buyers also seem to be interested on laying their hands on to larger vehicles. They seek to compete the other major bulls of the field like Honda CRV, Ford Endeavor, Mitsubishi Montero and Pajero.
—Agencies