India car sales February 2017: Winners and losers

Car sales are back on track after selling more than 2.5 lakh cars a month since New Year. Here is a rundown on the cars that managed to win their way to success as well as those who could not manage a success story.

Winners

Ford Ecosport

Ford introduced the sub-four metre SUV concept in India and the EcoSport was an instant hit. The American car maker though is still suffering from its yesteryear high maintenance image. The new Fords are not expensive to maintain and the ad campaign to convey that seems to be working with the sales of the EcoSport climbing steadily over the last two months.

Honda City

The Honda City has reclaimed its crown from the Maruti Ciaz and by a comfortable margin. The C-segment sedan has received its mid-life update in the last month itself and despite the high pricing has managed to sell at least 500 more cars than its closest rival. Seems like from the C-segment, the perception of quality is more important than maintenance.

Hyundai Grand i10

This puny little hatchback from Hyundai has been instrumental in making Hyundai a formidable player. Consistently selling more than 10,000 units a month, the Grand i10 makes it to the winners list for going past India’s one of the most favourite hatch – the Swift. The Grandi10 has been updated with new engines and equipment making it much better than before. 

Losers

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno started slowly but eventually grew in stature to become the bestselling premium hatchback of the country beating the Hyundai Elite i20. But then, sales of the Baleno haven’t been truly consistent and this month, the sales have dipped by more than a third. But then, now with the arrival of the Baleno RS, things might change.

Toyota Corolla Altis

The Toyota Corolla Altis has been one of the mainstays of the Toyota scheme of the things in India. Over the years, like all Toyota cars, the price tag of the Altis has been continuously bloating making it rather expensive over time. The effects are being seen on the sales figures because for that price you get crossover SUVs with much more equipment.

Chevrolet Sail Hatchback

Chevrolet should rethink ther India startegy. With the products getting olderby the day, the lack of after sales support has hurt the American brand especially in the budget segments. The low volumes have now hit almost he rock bottom with the Sail hatch selling only one unit in the month of February.