It has been a rollercoaster ride for big brands in the automobile space. For some years now, the Mahindra Bolero and Honda City were top-sellers in their respective segments but have been losing out lately to recent entrants such as Maruti’s Vitara Brezza and Ciaz as well as Hyundai’s Creta.

In addition, the Renault Kwid is now a force to reckon with in small cars and is quickly emerging a rival to Alto with its monthly sales inching towards 10,000 units.

Yet, Maruti continues to rule the roost with all its models doing well and effectively proving that its expertise goes beyond small cars.

The success of the Vitara Brezza, in particular, must be the best piece of news to the R&D team which developed the SUV from scratch in India. Its terrific response in the market which has seen sales at 10,000 units each month will prompt parent company Suzuki to entrust its Indian arm with more product development.

Likewise, Renault will have reason to feel pleased with the Kwid which has grabbed the fancy of customers in a big way. The Indian R&D team played a big role in its overall creation and the car may now head out to Brazil as part of its longer journey in the coming months.

Renault will, however, be hoping that the Kwid’s success will rub off on the Duster whose sales have fallen in recent times to less than 2,000 units a month. At one time, its numbers were three times as much. Mahindra & Mahindra, likewise, will have to deliver something really special to take on Maruti and Hyundai. Similarly, Honda has its task cut out with the City which is facing the heat from rival models such as Ciaz.

With younger buyers thronging dealerships, car-makers will have to go the extra mile in design and performance. This is what will separate the men from the boys.

- Murali Gopalan, Senior Deputy Editor

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