NEW DELHI: The news is flying around that Chinese automakers are planning to push their way into Indian auto market. While certain sections of the industry might not be overly excited by the news, given the perception of Chinese products and quality , but for automobile enthusiasts, a little more competition in the market and a few more options to pick from is always welcome.
The price advantage that Chinese product might have, could prove to be the differentiating factor that the Chinese automobile makers could wave around in the Indian market.
So which are these Chinese companies that could enter India and what could be their weapon of choice in India. We look at the probable automakers from China who could enter India, and their products.
Shanghai Autom otive Industries Corp (SAIC)
Although SAIC is the biggest automaker in China, it is primarily because of its association with Volkswagen and General Motors. While it sells the popular VW and GM products, it will be its own brand that SAIC would be bringing into India.
Some of the products that we could see in India from SAIC stable is the Roewe brand which has range right from luxury sedans to full-size SUVs to mini electric vehicles. Roewe's flagship sedan, Roewe 950, if brought to India, would be pitted against the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Mercedes CLA.
It also has under its belt the MG brand, which stands for 'Morris Garages'. The UK-based company, wholly-owned by SAIC, too has a wide range of cars from MG3 hatchback, to its first SUV MG GS which was launched last year.
It will not be surprising if SAIC, keeping in mind the upturn in the commercial vehicle industry, targets this segment with its Maxus brand. Maxus has vans like G10 that could fit into the MPV segment that Nissan Evalia caters, and also its V80 range that could compete with the likes Force Motors Traveller.
Great Wall Motor
To draw a comparison, right at the beginning, Great Wall Motor is like the Mahindra & Mahindra. It is the largest SUV producer in China. According to the reports, Great Wall motor is also one of the leading contenders to enter Indian market. Given it's position as the SUV specialist, it will be playing in one of the hottest segments currently in India.
The SUV range begins with Great Wall M4, a 1.5 litre, 104 HP SUV. If it comes to India, it would be in competition with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, to name a few. The range goes up to H3 and H6 which are full size SUV and would likely pose a challenge to Ford Endeavour and the well set Toyota Fortuner.
Dongfeng Motor
Dongfeng is a State-owned Chinese automaker which boasts of the highest number of international collaborations in China. It sells vehicles of Citroen, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Peugeot, and Renault. Although it has an impressive range of vehicles, thanks to the six associations, it has only one own-brand Fengshen which was launched in 2009.
According to the Dongfeng website, it currently has four mode ls, Dongfeng Fengshen H30 (hatchback), Fengshen A30 (executive sedan) , Fengshen H30 Cross (crossover), Fengshen S30 (executive sedan)
Changan Motors
One of the big four automakers in China, probably has the most complete range of vehicles that can compete in India. It's range starts with hatchback Benni Mini which is powered by a 999cc engine which produces close 75hp of power and will be a strong opponent to Alto K10, Renault Kwid, Chevrolet Beat.
It also has in its armoury an all electric vehicle Eado EV, a sports coupe Eado XT, and a 1.5 litre AMT equipped sedan named Alsvin A7. Its flagship car is the Raeton which again will be a competitor to the likes of Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb, and Honda Accord
It has four SUVs in its portfolio including the compact SUV CX20. Top of the line SUV in Chan'gan's lineup is CS75 which is powered by a 1998cc producing nearly 155hp of power.
Source → Top Chinese automakers eying India? Who should be worried?
