RISING DEMAND FOR COMPACT CARS

India could become a global production hub for hatchbacks as stringent emission norms come into play.

India has attracted the attention of the global automotive industry because of the impressive growth in the sector, particularly in the small car market, and its future potential in the country. Indian governments “Automotive Mission Plan 2006-16” talks about “building India as a small car hub”

2010 is going to be definitive year for Indian motoring. From Nissan to Porsche to our very own TATA Motors, all are lining up new models and variants for the Indian buyers. With new, exotic brands rolling in, the compact segment will see a close race this year.

Analyses show that hatchbacks are largely powered by petrol engines & have small carbon footprints. Hatchbacks can continue to be powered by next-generation internal combustion engine and still meet emission requirements beyond 2015. But bigger cars will need to adopt either hybrid or fully electric-propulsion system by 2015.

Considering all the features that a small car can pack, even those who can afford bigger cars are opting for the small ones. There are other benefits to smallness: less stress in driving and parking, since there is shortage of space on roads and parking areas in cities; less consumption of raw material, which means lesser fuel needed to run cars… etc… etc…