A small summary weighing Maruti Dzire vs Honda Amaze.
The introduction of Honda Amaze brings in a fresh breeze of
air to the mundane market that has been mourning about the economic slowdown. Honda
Amaze price has been kept at Rs.4.99 lakhs (for petrol variant) which marks the
beginning of a new war along with a new era. Not only this, the Global auto
major is also strengthened with its first ever diesel offering to India. The
diesel variant of Honda Amaze features the best, most fuel efficient diesel
engine at best prices (just Rs.5.99 lakhs). The only point where Honda lacks a
bit behind Maruti is in terms of its reach in the Indian market. The Japanese
car maker at present has only 150 outlets across the nation as compared to
Maruti that bears 1200 outlets in India.
There are a number of curiosities that dwell in mind as soon
as we hear of Honda Amaze. Questions like is this car really a symbol of a new
transition in India? Will the India that is a huge fan of compact cars will
start inclining towards sedans? This article tries to find answers to some of
such questions. Let’s have a look. Six years ago Honda was an undisputed ruler of premium cars
in India. Its models such as City and Accord were a status symbol among masses.
But gradually the market scenario took a turn and the market share of 5.52
percent came down to 3.86 percent during the fiscal year 2012-13. The strong
brand imaging could help this auto major in bringing –in right product at right
place in Indian context.
Its premium compact car Jazz could not make a place in
customers’ heart due to its high pricing. Also the launch of Brio was too let
to claim a substantial share of market. This created a bit of complication for
Honda in respect to India. The launch of Honda Amaze will no doubt rejuvenate
the magic of brand in India. It will also bring a change in Honda’s image in
minds of customers from a premium car maker to a regular car maker. As per the
managing director, Mr. Hironori Kanayama, this will help in stretching Honda
Amaze’s presence in India. Honda Amaze features in quite a number of ways give
a direct competition to Maruti Dzire features. Although, Maruti Dzire price
will need to be modified if it has to remain in game against Honda Amaze. Also,
the figures representing the mileage of Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze also have
a considerable variation, Maruti will also need to work on these figures in
order to fill in the gap. That is the only way Maruti will be able to take a
firm stand against Honda Amaze.
As per industry specialists, they are expecting Honda Amaze
to sell 3, 500 to 4, 000 units per month in India. The pricing of Amaze proves
the fact very well that Honda has taken its lesson to live with less margins in
India pretty well. One of the famous analysts, Deepesh Rathore, MD of HIS
Automotive, recently quoted that Honda has always been known for maintaining a
distinct stature of itself and refusing to compromise in terms of charging
premiums over its vehicles. It is for the first time that has changed its
strategy and is now giving a straight fight to Maruti Suzuki. This marks a big
shift in market scenario. Honda has also made serious effort in expanding its
reach to Indians by publicizing Honda Amaze in regional dialects through its
marketing campaigns.
Amaze from Honda is entering in a segment that is already
being dominated by other majors like Maruti, Toyota, and Tata. But the only
major competitor that it is facing right now is Maruti Dzire that has been
making record sales of 1800 units per month and dominates over 75 percent of
this entry level sedan segment. By bringing in Honda Amaze at so low prices the
Japanese car maker has offered customers a valid option that was yet missing
from the market. This marks the start of a real competition and everyone is
looking forward to what more is to come under this rivalary.
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