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Chennai:
Hyundai Motor''s small car, Getz, is finally coming to
India and is slated to be launched in August just before
the start of the festive season.
The
company is planning to launch two versions initially.
These include an entry-level model and a fully loaded
top-end version. Initially, Getz would be introduced as
a hatchback but the platform on which it is built is flexible
and if needed, a three-box version could be produced.
Powered
by a 1300 CC engine, Getz would meet Euro III emission
norms and would be substantially (upto 85 per cent) indigenised
so that it could be competitively priced.
According
to sources in the company, the car would be priced mid
way between Hyundai''s Santro and Accent models so that
does not eat into the market share of either.
Industry
sources say Getz will be positioned in the upper B segment
and would take on Fiat Palio and Corsa Sail and the soon-to-debut
upper B segment offerings from Ford and Maruti in the
near future. Hyundai is reportedly looking to price Getz
between 4.9 to Rs 5.2 lakh.
Reported
to have larger interiors than other existing B or even
C segment cars like the Ikon Flair and Corsa Sail industry
experts say the Hyundai Getz will change the dynamics
of the Indian auto market since it will effectively straddle
both the segments.
The
company has pegged the launch of the vehicle with its
capacity expansion programme from the current 1.5 lakh
to 2.5 lakh vehicles per annum. The vehicle will be manufactured
at the company''s plant ay Irungattukottai at Chennai This
will be Hyundai''s second launch in the current calendar
after the Elantra.
Hyundai
is clearly aiming to substantially increase its customer
base with the launch of the Getz. Only a petrol version
will be launched initially.
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