Rumours and sightings were abuzz in some parts of the Chennai suburbs about the new small car from Hyundai, car manufacturers from South Korea that they are planning to launch in competition with Chevrolet Spark and Maruti Alto. According to Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Auto Car India, Hyundai are planning to name their new, small 800 cc car as Eon.
It certainly confirms that Hyundai have given a proper name for the small car it has developed. It is also felt that this car would be for the Indian market rather than a car made globally for other consumers by Hyundai. The small car is powered by a three cylinder, 800 cc engine. Hyundai claim that the small car would excel both performance wise and also have good fuel economy. They plan to price it at 3 lakhs hence directly competing with the likes of Maruti Suzuki’s Alto, which is their highest selling car in recent years.
The launch of the Eon is still unconfirmed at the moment, but there are news circulating saying that a tentative launch date has been set by them in October coinciding with the festive season in India. Insiders from Hyundai have told that Hyundai Eon’s initial production has already started and there was plenty of anticipation and excitement surrounding Hyundai India with its launch, which would help them compete with Maruti’s Alto.
Dealer footprints have also been expanded aggressively by Hyundai for Pan India recognition as they feel the brand is a bit behind Maruti Suzuki when constraints like brand recognition and dealer penetrations are primary, and the demand for a car worth 3 lakhs is particularly strong in India. With all these strategies to be employed by the carmaker, Hyundai Eon hopefully would contribute to huge volumes for Hyundai India. So, with the tentative date set already ticking, we would see the small car rolling out sometime soon.
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