2017 is going to be the year of sedans! Get ready for a string of launches

There is going to be a string of car launches this year, especially in the sedan segment, thanks to the competition.

Car companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, etc are lining up about half-a-dozen new, entry-level sedans this year.

While Maruti Suzuki will come out with its new generation Dzire, Hyundai Motor India has launched its all new Xcent. Meanwhile, Tata Motors has Tigor, Chevrolet the Beat Essentia, and Ford has lifted Aspire.

Presently, Maruti Suzuki has 50% of the market for entry-level sedans.

"Fleet operators help bring in volumes. The segment too is growing rapidly, upwards of 20%. But margins are very low. Hence, the renewed push toward buyers in the personal segment," a senior executive with a leading vehicle manufacturer told ET.

“With its launch next month, the Dzire will be built as an aspirational brand for individual customers. The older generation model will be sold to fleet operators," one of the people aware of the development told ET.

Meanwhile, Hyundai has reshuffled its marketing strategy to address the needs of the personal buyer.

"The old Xcent does not have as many features. We will continue to sell the car to the fleet segment, the all new model is for individual buyers," said YK Koo, managing director and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor India.