Nissan is going to launch two new C-segment sedans in 2014
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- Nissan produces C-segment sedans in all regions of the world except Europe. Indeed, in this continent, the manufacturer decided to replace in 2007 its segment C Almera sedan by a segment C crossover (Qashqai) that is experiencing a great success since its launch (200 000 sales per year in Europe +35 000 sales in Russia).
- In 2014 however, Nissan is back on C-segment sedan models, one of the largest segments in Europe, launching two new sedans: The Pulsar and Tiida.
- The production of the second generation Tiida will start in August in the Russian AvtoVAZ plant based in Izhevsk. The former IzhAvto plant that used to produce Hyundai-Kia vehicles before going bankrupt. The hatchback version of the Tiida model will also be made in this plant, starting from January 2015. This model (in both variants) will be marketed exclusively in Russia.
- The production of the Pulsar, a new compact hatchback car will be launched in September in the Spanish plant of Barcelona, it will be marketed both in Europe and in Russia. The manufacturer hopes to sell 80 000 units per year. It must be noted that the Almera name was not picked for this model since it already designates a D segment model sold in Russia.
- The arrival of these two vehicles will allow the Nissan brand to expand its model range, which was perilously concentrated on two models, the Juke and Qasqhai(68% of European and Russian production in 2013 ). These two successful models will unfortunately have more and more competition from crossovers from B and C segments.
Read more... Nissan is going to launch two new C-segment sedans in 2014
Maserati aims 50 000 sales worldwide in 2016
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Fiat-Chrysler is finally going to replace the Alfa Giulietta
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- The Fiat-Chrysler group (FCA) has planned an extensive program to revitalize the Alfa Romeo brand, that is currently declining (target: 500 000 sales in 2020 against less than 100 000 in 2013). In the brand's re-launch program, the manufacturer focuses primarily on high-end vehicles (segments D and E). The Mito (B segment) and Giulietta (C segment) therefor seem doomed.
- The Giulietta will after all have its offspring, which makes sense when you consider the recent history of the Alfa Romeo brand which focused on C-segment models, and if we also consider its competitors (Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus Volvo) that all have C-segment models (A3, Series 1, Class A). The Mito will be the only model which won't be replaced.
- It will be more likely for Alfa-Romeo to reach 500 000 sales in 2020 with the help of a C-segment model (manufactured in Cassino, Italy), which could represent up to 100 000 sales per year.
- This program is part of a broader strategy of brand repositioning inside the FCA group. Fiat will become the entry-range brand, Dodge the mainstream brand, Chrysler will become an intermediate between mainstream and premium brands, Alfa-Romeo the premium brand, Maserati and Ferrari brands will become the super-premium brands. The Jeep brand will hold a special place, it will market all of FCA's SUV starting from entry level to Premium level. The Lancia brand will be permanently removed.
Read more... Fiat-Chrysler is finally going to replace the Alfa Giulietta
China will become Volvo's second world market in 2014
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Read more... China will become Volvo's second world market in 2014
In India, the market continues to decline in the first quarter of 2014
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- Vehicle sales (PC + LCV) in the Indian market continued to decline by -11% in the first quarter of 2014 to reach a volume of 790 000 units. It therefore declined even more after 2013, a year that was already negative (-10% compared to 2012).
- In the leading brands in India, only Honda (+55%), Ford (20%) and Nissan (25%) saw their sales increase. Hyundai remained stable while Tata (-53%), Toyota (-56%) and VW (-69%) saw their sales fall sharply. In a declining market, Honda's share grew by 4% while Maruti-Suzuki increased (+3%) despite a slight decline in sales (-3%).
- In terms of models, the TOP 10 of the market is still monopolized by Maruti-Suzuki models from segment A and B (M800/Alto/A-Star, Swift / Celerio, Dzire ...) ahead of Hyundai models i10/i20 / Eon. The strongest growth is for Honda and its City model, whose sales increased by 60%. One will note the arrival on the market of the Nissan Datsun Go which has made a good entry with nearly 3 500 units sold in the first three months. The Datsun Go (segment A), which was launched in 2013, is one of the cheapest models in the Indian market (400 000 rupees or 5 000 euros) and competes with entry level Maruti Suzuki models and Tata Motors.
- Let us recall that cars from segments A and B represent 80% of sales in India. Maruti-Suzuki alone holds 45% of sales in this market. The Renault-Nissan group holds only 2% (in 2013), but seeks 10% by 2016, thanks to the Datsun Go.
Read more... In India, the market continues to decline in the first quarter of 2014