The Swiss market has broken its record in 2012
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- The Swiss market has well weathered the 2008-2009 crisis. The volume of registrations (passenger cars), which was 286 000 units in 2007 and 289,000 in 2008, has not fallen below 250,000 in 2009, and increased to 294,000 in 2010, 319,000 in 2011 and 328,000 in 2012, setting a new registration record .
- The Swiss market has reached its peak in 2012, a rare phenomenon in Europe. On the other hand, if we consider the period 2000-2012, the market level is remained stable (around 300 000 units per year).
- The Swiss market is characterized by the overwhelming dominance of Volkswagen cars in 10 top bestsellers: 7 VW group cars in the top 10: 1st: VW Golf, 2nd: Skoda Octavia, 3rd: VW Polo, 4th: VW Tiguan, 5th; VW Passat, 6th VW Touran 10th : Audi A4. The other cars present in top 10 are: Mercedes C-Class is at 7th position, Ford Fiesta at 8th position , Opel Astra at 9th position.
- Considering carmakers, Volkswagen Group is the undisputed leader in this market to Renault-Nissan and PSA. American groups GM and Ford are ahead of the Korean group Hyundai-Kia.
Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes
Hungarian market decreased 74% since 2005
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Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes
The Tata Nano has failed to establish itself in the Indian market
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- The Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world, was produced to power the popular people masses in India, where the motorization rate is still very low. When the model was introduced in 2008, it created sensation, partly due to its price of 1560 euros, a price defying any competition.
- The carmaker was indeed targeting two-wheelers users (numerous in India) with this minimalist model. Tata’s objective was selling in a first phase 250,000 Nanos per year, and then then 500,000 per year. But difficulties in the construction of a dedicated plant, then the 2008 financial crisis forced the carmaker to postpone the vehicle’s SOP Start of Production) to 2009.
- Due to multiple difficulties and Nano’s transfer from the initially planned plant to another one, as well as significant investment realized for the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, Tata had to increase the price of the Nano by 25%, to 1,950 euros. The carmaker managed to sell 17,500 vehicles in 2009 and 60,000 vehicles in 2010, instead of 250,000 vehicles planned.
- Due to the increase in cost of raw materials, Nano’s price jumped then to 2 700 euros. For this price, many Indian customers prefer to buy a used car, which is more rewarding and more livable. Consequently, the Nano sales could not exceed 70,000 vehicles in 2011 and 80,000 vehicles in 2012. At this rate, the Tata Nano will hardly exceed the 100,000 vehicles annual sales. Manufacturer's dream to motorize the Indian masses with this model became a wishful thinking.
Read more... The Tata Nano has failed to establish itself in the Indian market
Chevrolet launches its Full Size Model : the Impala
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- Chevrolet introduced its new "Full Size“ model, which is equivalent to a E Segment model in European classification.
- It is the 10th generation of the Impala, the top-range model of the mark (not taking into account the Camaro and Corvette which have a special position).. The Impala was introduced in 1958 as an option in Bel Air coupe and convertible range: a sportier and more richly equipped car. In 1959 it became a full range(sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible) derived from Bel Air models. A more luxury version (Caprice) was launched in 1965.
- After disappearing in 1996, the Impala reappeared in 2000 as the replacement for the Lumina. Today, the Impala is the direct competitor of the Ford Taurus. It is built on the platform of the Buick La Crosse and Cadillac XTS. The 2013 Impala measure 510 cm long, 185 cm wide and 147 cm high. It has a 3.6-liter V6 engine. Base price: 27,535 dollars.
- To cushion the impact of the launch of the Impala, the Ford Taurus has been restyled. Both models are traditionally leaders in vehicle fleets and rental companies.
Read more... Chevrolet launches its Full Size Model : the Impala
Top ten of assembly plants in Europe in 2012
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