HYUNDAI-
1.Hyundai will launch a twin version of Santro, which till now has been under wraps with a codename PA. The car will be placed between the existing Santro and Getz and will come either at the end of the current year or early next year
The car now is assembly stage sporting the codename PA, will be positioned somewhere between the Santro and the Getz. The unveiling of this model is expected by early next year.
2. Hyundai’s diesel Santro, which is expected to sport a 1.1-1.2 litre engine, will be the smallest diesel engine in the country.
3.Hyundai Motor will also launch as many as three versions of the Getz in the domestic market. To be named Getz Prime, the car will come in variants of 1.1 litre and 1.3 litre petrol engines and a 1.5 litre diesel engine.
GM-- too will bring in diesel sipping Aveo and Optra.RENAULT--French auto maker Renault is planning to make a low-cost car for emerging markets like India that will sport a price tag of around $3000 (Rs 1,23,000). The price will probably be higher when it hits the road because of local taxes.
It will give market to leader Maruti Udyog andTata Motor.
BMW--The new year BMW will begin its journey in India with the 3 series, assembled at its factory in Chennai. The 5 series will follow with the X5, X3, and the 7 series will be made available as a completely built unit.
Volvo-- will also take a bow in the passenger car segment with the S80 and XC90. Although Volkswagen has zeroed in on Maharashtra to set up its manufacturing base, it will start selling the Passat through the import route by mid-2007, long before the plant commences commercial production in 2009.
Mercedes Benz--Don't be surprised if DaimlerChrysler brings in its Mercedes Benz M-class to take on the growing popularity of the Audi Q7 and the Porsches.
Fiat--The year will see seven face-lifts and leading the way is the new-look Fiat Palio, to be rolled out from Fiat's Ranjangaon plant. ‘‘Fiat is gearing for a comeback into the Indian market,'' an analyst said.
Fiat will also bring in the new Petra during the year, but the big one is the launch of the Fiat Grande Punto, which could take place towards the end of the year.
Also in the line of face-lifts are the Maruti Baleno, the Mahindra Scorpio 2.2, the Honda Accord and the old-war horse Tata Sumo.
TATA--If things go according to plan, Tata Motors may unleash a spanking new Indica later in the year to enforce itsdomination in the diesel turf.
