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Old 24th October 2023, 21:58   #1
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Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that didn't last in the Indian market



Introduction



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In our country where factors like fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability dominate the automotive market, several cars have failed to capture the attention and wallets of Indian consumers. Let’s take a closer look at some of these automobiles that failed to gain popularity in India despite their global appeal.


Tata Nano



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Tata Nano was a small car dreamed up by Ratan Tata to provide a safe and affordable option for middle-class families and those who used bikes as their main mode of transport. At first, people liked the idea, but it didn't do well in the end. One big reason was how it was marketed - not as an affordable car, but as the cheapest one. This made people think it was low-quality, which didn't go well with Indian customers.


Nissan Evalia



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Nissan Evalia was one of the few compact MPVs that provided ample space. It was practical, but it didn’t appeal to Indian buyers. The boxy design wasn’t attractive, the interiors lacked a family car’s finesse, and it was more expensive than competitors like Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Renault Lodgy.


Tata Safari Petrol



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The Tata Safari petrol version faced challenges primarily due to its fuel efficiency and market competition. In a price-sensitive market like India, fuel economy is a critical factor for consumers. The petrol variant of the Tata Safari didn’t offer impressive mileage figures, which significantly impacted its appeal, especially when compared to its diesel counterparts and competitors in the SUV segment.


Renault Captur



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Among Renault's disappointments in India, the Captur stood out as the most significant failure. Renault aimed to build on the success of the Duster by offering a more upscale experience with the Captur, equipped with a stylish design and reliable engine options. Despite its appealing features, the Captur's crossover design failed to attract customers. Moreover, the overwhelming popularity of the Hyundai Creta further overshadowed the Captur, causing it to fade in the Indian car market.


Opel Vectra



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Opel's Vectra launch in India was a hopeful move, aiming for the premium D-segment sedan market. Priced at Rs 16.75 lakh, it was costly for its time, positioned above Opel's other premium models. The Vectra came with a powerful 2.2-litre 146 bhp petrol engine but had poor fuel efficiency. Despite its features, it suffered from reliability issues and high maintenance costs, making it less appealing to buyers.


Ford Fusion



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Ford tried to be ahead of the trend by introducing the Fusion, a compact crossover blending a hatchback and an SUV. However, its boxy design and upright stance were new to India, and people didn't like it much. Additionally, Ford's maintenance and fuel economy weren't great back then, which made the Fusion unpopular. It had a 1.6-litre 105 PS petrol engine and a 1.4-litre 68 PS diesel engine during its short time in the market.


Chevrolet SR-V



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Even Chevrolet fans couldn't ignore the failure of the SR-V, the biggest disappointment from the American car brand in India. The SR-V was essentially a shorter version of the Optra sedan, having the same engine and interior. However, Indians weren't willing to pay a high price for a hatchback back then, and the SR-V was relatively expensive, leading to its lack of popularity in the market.


Mahindra Nuvosport



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Mahindra faced trouble when they introduced the smaller version of the Xylo, called Quanto. They later redesigned and renamed it Nuvosport, hoping to make it more appealing than Quanto. However, it failed even more, mainly because of its strange appearance and bad driving experience.


Tata Bolt



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Tata Motors had high hopes for the Bolt. However, the Bolt didn't capture attention. It was meant to replace the old Indica Vista, but its design resembled the outdated model too much, making it unattractive to buyers. Tata shifted its focus to the Tiago, which became very popular. Consequently, the Bolt didn't do well and gradually faded away.


Mitsubishi Cedia



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Mitsubishi aimed for more success after the Lancer with the Cedia, a sportier and premium car. However, it didn't become popular, even with enthusiasts. The Cedia faced tough competition from the Honda City, which was liked by both enthusiasts and regular buyers seeking a luxurious car. In India, the Cedia was available with a 2.0-litre 115 bhp petrol engine, but it couldn't make a mark.


Fiat Urban Cross



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Fiat wanted to attract Indian buyers with the Avventura, but many people found it hard to open and close the boot. Fiat tried to fix this problem with the Urban Cross by moving the spare wheel from the back to the usual spot in the trunk. However, the Urban Cross didn't do well because Fiat wasn't seen as a reliable brand in India. It came with a 1.4-litre 140 PS turbo-petrol engine and a 1.3-litre 93 PS diesel engine, but it still didn't catch on with customers.


Maruti Suzuki Kizashi



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Maruti Suzuki introduced the Kizashi in India through the CBU route. However, its high price and the Indian mindset of not wanting to spend a lot on a Maruti car led to its failure in the Indian market.


Datsun Go+



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Datsun faced a slow start with the Go hatchback, contrary to their expectations. To cope, they introduced a more practical 5+2 seater version, the Go+. It had three rows of seats, but the last row was suitable only for children. Powered by the same 1.2-litre 68 PS petrol engine as the Go, it was decent for its size. However, like the Go, the Go+ suffered from issues, mainly the noticeable cost-cutting measures affecting its build quality.


Datsun Go



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The Go was designed to be an affordable and practical urban car, offering basic features and decent interior space. It came with a small engine suitable for city driving and aims to provide a budget-friendly option for consumers in emerging markets. However, it faced criticism for safety concerns and build quality issues, which affected its popularity in some regions.


Chevrolet Sail U-VA



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The Chevrolet Sail U-VA failed in the Indian market due to intense competition from well-established brands, a weak brand image, limited marketing efforts, product design and quality issues, reported mechanical problems, and an inability to adapt to changing consumer preferences towards SUVs. These factors combined to hinder its popularity and contributed to its market failure.


Rover Montego



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The Rover Montego, part of a joint venture between Rover and the Indian brand Sipani, was a car inspired by the Austin Montego. Sipani, based in Karnataka, introduced this vehicle in India before its closure in 2002. The car featured a 1.9-litre engine producing 81hp and 158Nm torque. Although it was an interesting collaboration, the Rover Montego didn't gain widespread popularity in the Indian market.


Mahindra Verito Vibe



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Mahindra's Verito Vibe didn't do well due to its basic design and limited features. It faced tough competition from popular cars like the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Amaze. Mahindra could sell only 619 units in 2015, leading them to stop production in 2016. They realized they needed to work harder to succeed in the sedan and hatchback market.


Peugeot 309



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The Peugeot 309, introduced in India by Peugeot and Premier Automobiles Limited, was well-received for its unique design and style. It had a 1.12-liter engine producing 59hp and 87.5Nm torque. However, due to labour and financial issues, the joint venture was discontinued, and the 309 was discontinued just three years after its 1994 launch. Additionally, poor after-sales service and difficulty in finding spare parts in the Indian market contributed to its downfall.


Standard 2000



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Standard 2000 was a fancy car made in India a long time ago. It had cool features like electric windows and air conditioning, which were rare back then. The car was powerful, thanks to its big engine, and was seen as a luxury vehicle. However, the company that made it closed in 1988, so the car didn't stay in the market for long. Nowadays, it's super rare to find this car on Indian roads, even though it used to be one of the more affordable luxury cars of its time, costing Rs. 2.2 lakhs.


Maruti Baleno Altura



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The Maruti Baleno Altura was one of the few station wagons in India, but people didn't really buy it. Indians didn't seem interested in this type of car, so the Altura didn't sell well. Even though it was roomy and practical, it didn't do well in our market. Interestingly, this was Suzuki's first station wagon in India. It had a lively 1.6-litre petrol engine that could generate 96 bhp of power and 130 NM of torque.


Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara



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The Maruti Grand Vitara, introduced in India from 2009 to 2015, was Maruti's only full-size SUV. Despite its popularity abroad, it didn't attract Indian buyers searching for a large SUV. The problem was its high price and low fuel efficiency since it was an imported product. These issues didn't match Maruti's usual affordable and fuel-efficient car standards. As a result, it was discontinued in India in 2015.


Chevrolet Forester



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In the early 2000s, Chevrolet sold a car called the Forester in India, which was essentially a rebadged Subaru. It had a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine and Subaru’s special AWD system. Despite cool features like frameless doors, its high price of INR 14 lakh made it too expensive for Indian buyers. Eventually, it was discontinued when GM sold its stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s parent company.


Fiat Palio Adventure



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The Fiat Palio Adventure was an estate version of the Palio hatchback, featuring a robust 1600cc 4-cylinder engine with 100 Bhp power and 138 Nm torque. It was sturdy, had a powerful engine, and handled rough roads effectively. Despite these qualities, Fiat was losing popularity when they launched it, so it didn't gain much attention in the market.


Maruti Zen Classic



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The Maruti Suzuki Zen was a well-known and beloved car in India, but its sibling, the Zen Classic, didn't enjoy the same level of popularity. Its retro design didn't resonate with Indian buyers, and it failed to make a lasting impression in the market.


Tata Aria



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The Tata Aria was a crossover SUV introduced by Tata Motors in India. It was designed to be a luxurious and spacious family car, offering features like seven seats and advanced technology. Despite its promising features, the Aria struggled to gain popularity in the market. One of the reasons for its lackluster performance was the stiff competition it faced from other established SUVs and crossovers. Additionally, some customers found its design and pricing less appealing compared to other options available in the market, leading to its limited success in India.


Opel Corsa Swing



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The Opel Corsa Swing, a station wagon introduced between 2003-2007, faced a common trend in India: station wagons never really appealed to the Indian public. Despite their practicality, they failed to capture the market's interest. Even though models like the Tata Estate initially did well, station wagons as a category didn't gain traction. People preferred other car types, leading to the Corsa Swing's limited success during its time in the Indian market.


Ford Mondeo



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The Ford Mondeo holds a special place in the hearts of Indian car enthusiasts. When Ford ventured into the luxury segment in 2002, the Mondeo garnered significant attention. However, its high price tag made it unappealing to many potential buyers, impacting its overall success in the Indian market.


San Storm



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The San Storm, a two-seat roadster by San Motors India, debuted in 1998. Designed by the French firm Le Mans Group, it was powered by an 1149 cc Renault D7F engine. Marketed as an affordable alternative to imported sports cars, it gained attention in India but didn't sell in large numbers. Despite this, it was exported to European markets, primarily the UK, until production ceased in 2013.


Sonalika Rhino



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The Sonalika Rhino, a 9-seater SUV-MPV crossover, aimed to capitalize on the success of the popular Qualis. Despite offering a diesel engine and spacious seating, it couldn't compete with established players due to stiff competition and being a new entrant in the market. Eventually, it became less known and forgotten.

Last edited by Aditya : 26th October 2023 at 17:09. Reason: As requested
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Old 25th October 2023, 09:40   #2
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that didn't last in the Indian market (continuation)



Skoda Octavia Combi



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Skoda introduced the Octavia Combi in India, joining the trend of station wagons. They offered different versions, including the powerful vRS with a 150 Bhp engine and the luxurious L&K variant with plush interiors. Despite its spacious and practical design, the Octavia Combi, like other station wagons, failed to gain popularity in the Indian market.


Toyota Yaris



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The Toyota Yaris, a compact sedan, was introduced in India to capture the mid-size sedan market. Toyota emphasized its reliable reputation, smooth ride, and comfortable interiors. However, it faced tough competition from established rivals like the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Additionally, the Yaris lacked standout features and a strong price advantage, making it challenging to attract customers. Its moderate success in India could be attributed to Toyota's brand trust, but it didn't become a dominant choice in its segment.


Tata Hexa



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The Tata Hexa was Tata Motors' attempt to enter the competitive SUV market in India. It was designed as a versatile and spacious SUV, offering three rows of seating and a powerful engine. Despite its robust build, comfortable interiors, and decent performance, the Hexa faced challenges in standing out among fierce competitors like the Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Innova. Tata tried to position it as a premium SUV, but it struggled to create a significant impact due to the strong presence of well-established SUVs in its class. The Hexa, although appreciated for its features, couldn't achieve widespread popularity in the Indian market.


Toyota Etios



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The Toyota Etios was a car made by Toyota for everyday use. It was practical and fuel-efficient but lacked some modern features. Even though it was reliable, it didn't attract many buyers in India because people wanted cars with more advanced features and designs.


Honda Jazz



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The Honda Jazz was a small car made by Honda. It was known for its spacious interior and practicality. The car was fuel-efficient and had a reputation for being reliable. However, in the Indian market, it faced tough competition, and despite its good qualities, it didn't become very popular. People in India preferred other similar cars over the Honda Jazz.


DC Avanti



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The DC Avanti, India's first indigenous sports car, faced challenges in the market. Despite its unique design and powerful engine, it struggled due to its high price tag, poor build quality, limited brand recognition, and the lack of a well-established sports car culture in India. The car's exclusivity didn't resonate well with the price-sensitive Indian market, leading to limited sales and making it a commercial failure.


Maruti Suzuki A-Star



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The Maruti Suzuki A-Star, despite being compact and fuel-efficient, faced challenges in the Indian market. It struggled to gain popularity due to stiff competition and limited interior space compared to rivals. The A-Star also lacked certain features that were becoming standard in its segment. These factors, combined with Maruti's other successful models, led to its relative lack of success in India.


Ford Figo



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The Ford Figo had a tough time in the Indian market primarily due to intense competition in the hatchback segment. While it offered decent features and driving dynamics, it struggled against well-established rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. Additionally, Ford's limited service network and higher maintenance costs affected its appeal, making it challenging for the Figo to establish a strong foothold in the Indian market.


Figo Aspire



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The Ford Aspire had faced challenges in the Indian market, struggling to match the popularity of its competitors in the compact sedan segment. Despite offering a decent package with features and performance, it had been overshadowed by other more established brands. One of the key reasons for its limited success had been stiff competition, combined with consumer preferences and brand loyalty in this segment, leading to it facing difficulties in gaining a significant market share. Additionally, the Aspire had faced challenges in terms of marketing and establishing a strong brand presence, impacting its overall success in India.


Ford Fiesta



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The Ford Fiesta faced challenges in India. It was seen as costly compared to competitors. Moreover, its maintenance expenses were relatively high, affecting its popularity. Despite its good features and comfort, these factors led to its limited success in the Indian market.


Chevrolet Optra



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The Chevrolet Optra faced challenges in the Indian market primarily due to strong competition and limited brand appeal. While it offered comfortable interiors and a powerful engine, it struggled to stand out against other well-established sedans in its segment. Additionally, Chevrolet's brand presence wasn't strong enough to sway buyers away from popular alternatives. These factors contributed to Optra's struggle and eventual lack of success in India.


Nissan Sunny



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The Nissan Sunny faced challenges in India due to intense competition and specific market preferences. While it provided spacious interiors and decent features, it couldn't outshine rivals like the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Additionally, its design, which some considered too plain, didn't capture the attention of Indian consumers who often prefer more stylish and trendy vehicles. Consequently, despite its practicality, the Sunny struggled to gain significant popularity in the Indian market, leading to its classification as a less successful model.


Renault Scala



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The Renault Scala faced a lack of popularity in India primarily due to strong competition and limited differentiation from its sister model, the Nissan Sunny. Although it offered similar features and specifications, the Scala failed to create a distinct identity for itself. The Indian consumers, often looking for unique selling points, found little reason to choose the Scala over other well-established sedans in its segment. Additionally, Renault's limited dealership network and after-sales service also affected its market presence, making it one of the less successful models in India.


Datsun Redi-Go



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The Datsun Redi-GO struggled in the Indian market due to several reasons. While it aimed to capture the budget-conscious segment, it faced tough competition from well-established players like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The Redi-GO lacked the finesse and features offered by its competitors. Additionally, its build quality and safety features were not up to the mark, which raised concerns among potential buyers. Despite its affordable pricing, these factors contributed to the Redi-GO's limited success in India.


Nissan Terrano



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The Nissan Terrano faced challenges in the Indian market primarily due to its pricing and competition. While it shared its platform with the popular Renault Duster, it was priced higher, making it less attractive to price-sensitive Indian buyers. Additionally, the Terrano didn't offer significant differences in terms of features or performance compared to its more affordable counterpart, the Duster. This lack of differentiation and the higher price tag impacted its sales, leading to its limited success in the Indian SUV market.


Nissan Micra



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The Nissan Micra struggled to gain traction in the Indian market due to intense competition and lack of standout features. While it offered decent build quality and comfort, it failed to match the popularity of its competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. The Micra lacked the kind of innovative features or exceptional fuel efficiency that could have set it apart in its segment. Moreover, Nissan's limited dealership network and brand recognition in India further hindered its sales, making it less successful compared to its rivals.


Chevrolet Trailblazer



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The Chevrolet Trailblazer faced challenges in the Indian market due to its high price tag, which made it less accessible to the average consumer. While it offered a powerful engine and spacious interiors, it lacked some of the premium features and brand recognition compared to its competitors like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. Additionally, Chevrolet's limited presence in the SUV segment and a relatively smaller dealer network affected its overall sales. These factors combined to make the Trailblazer less successful in India.


Fiat Grande Punto



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The Fiat Grande Punto, designed by the renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, stood out with its striking and unique appearance in the hatchback segment. Enthusiasts admired its design, but the car faced challenges in the market. Reliability problems, a limited service network, and inconsistent quality hampered its success. Despite its appealing looks, these issues prevented the Grande Punto from achieving the sales numbers Fiat had anticipated, marking it as one of the most beautiful but unsuccessful cars in India.


Renault Fluence



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The Renault Fluence, although stylish, didn't do well in India because of strong competition and Renault's limited presence. Many people preferred other brands in its segment, making it less popular despite its good looks and features.


Hyundai Santa Fe



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The Hyundai Santa Fe, with its modern design and powerful engine, failed in India due to its high pricing. Being brought in as a CKD unit made it expensive, with on-road prices starting at Rs. 32 lakhs. This made it less competitive against well-established SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, which were more affordable options for buyers during its time in the market.


Honda CR-V



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The Honda CR-V, although praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, faced difficulties in the Indian market. One significant hurdle was its high price tag, which made it less accessible to many potential buyers. The CR-V also faced tough competition from other SUVs in its segment that offered similar features at a more affordable price. Additionally, fuel efficiency concerns also impacted its appeal, causing it to struggle in the competitive SUV market of India.


Honda Civic



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The Honda Civic, while admired for its sleek design and performance, faced challenges in the Indian market. One of the reasons for its struggle was its pricing strategy. Positioned in a higher price bracket, it faced tough competition from more affordable and fuel-efficient cars in its segment. These factors contributed to the Civic's challenges in gaining widespread popularity in India.


Hyundai Getz



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The Hyundai Getz, although stylish and well-equipped, didn't capture the Indian market as expected. One significant reason for its lack of success was its pricing strategy. Positioned at a higher price point compared to its competitors, it struggled to attract budget-conscious buyers. Despite its features, the market was dominated by more affordable options, leading to the Getz's limited popularity and lower sales numbers.


Skoda Fabia



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The Skoda Fabia, a well-built and spacious hatchback, failed to gain significant traction in the Indian market. One of the primary reasons for its lack of success was its pricing. Positioned as a premium hatchback, it was relatively expensive compared to its competitors. Indian consumers, especially in the hatchback segment, are highly price-sensitive. One significant drawback was its dated interiors, which didn't meet the evolving expectations of Indian consumers. Additionally, the Fabia faced tough competition from well-established and more affordable hatchbacks, which impacted its sales adversely. Despite its quality and features, it couldn't establish a strong foothold in the market.


Nissan Teana



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The Nissan Teana, a premium sedan, failed to make a mark in the Indian market. Despite its elegant design and comfortable features, it faced stiff competition from well-established rivals. The Teana struggled due to its higher price tag, limited brand recognition, and lack of strong marketing efforts. As a result, it couldn't attract enough buyers, leading to its lack of success in India.


Hyundai Sonata



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The Hyundai Sonata, although a stylish and feature-packed sedan, faced challenges in the Indian market. It struggled to gain popularity primarily due to its relatively high price tag in comparison to its competitors. Additionally, Hyundai's marketing strategies and brand positioning in the premium sedan segment didn't resonate well with Indian consumers. Despite its comfortable interiors and advanced features, the Sonata couldn't establish a strong foothold, leading to its limited success in India.


Conclusion



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To sum up, the Indian automobile market has witnessed the rise and fall of various cars, each with its own unique story. Factors like pricing, competition, design, and customer preferences have played significant roles in determining the fate of these vehicles. While some beautifully designed cars failed to make an impact due to high prices and tough rivals, others faced challenges related to quality, reliability, and after-sales support. Despite their visual appeal, these cars struggled to win the hearts of Indian consumers Their prices were high, or they faced tough competition. Even though they looked great, they couldn't win the hearts of Indian buyers. These stories teach us that success in India's car market isn't just about looks. It's also about being practical, affordable, and having good support. If you know more underrated cars and the reasons for their failure, share them here.

Last edited by MotorDev : 25th October 2023 at 23:51.
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Old 26th October 2023, 05:58   #3
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Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 26th October 2023, 06:20   #4
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While TATA Nano was on the affordable side, there was an Italian chick at a whopping 14.93L. Fiat 500, truly an Italian beauty.

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Old 26th October 2023, 06:53   #5
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Thank you very much MotorDev for compling this list. There are so many cars that have failed in this market. Many of them were in my view quite good ones in their segment e.g. Hexa, Santa Fe. It is interesting to understand that whether it is only fierce competition and price or some inherent flaw in these cars which made them fail? Also, can we include Mahindra Alturas also in this list? Thanks again.
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Old 26th October 2023, 07:14   #6
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Good read.

Just two points.

It would be harsh to call Ford Figo an unsuccessful car. The Gen 1 Figo (diesel) was a successful hatchback and comprised a chunk of sales for Ford for a considerable duration.

You may include Premier Rio in the list. Basically a rebadged Chinese Zoyte compact SUV, it was launched near simultaneously with the Segment starter Ecosport but lost steam and was discontinued in 2015 with barely any mention worthy sales figures.
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Old 26th October 2023, 07:57   #7
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Having two cars in this list puts me in an unenviable position! Ford tried to price the Global Fiesta at a premium, but the engines were used in the segment below. Nothing wrong if one had driven the Fiesta in isolation, but one would be miffed when the same engine was in Figo and Aspire. Ford then tried to ditch their USP of build quality and tried to do a Maruti, both Figo and Aspire failed.

Sipani had one model named Dolphin if my memory is correct. It was given huge full page ads in newspapers back in the late 80's
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Old 26th October 2023, 08:11   #8
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Wow, that is a comprehensive list. A lot of them were very good cars in their own way. It is also interesting to see the wide variety of shapes and sizes and designs- Especially in the cars that came in during the late 90s and 2000s. Lot of different kinds of vehicles being tried out. Manufacturers were in the mode of trying out new things, and were willing to do the same. But I think the Indian customer expectations were fairly fixed. A craze for a sedan shape that resulted in all these sub 4 meter sedans. And now it is the suv shape craze which has taken over. There is no room for anything else to survive. Manufacturers are also playing safe and going with the majority flow.
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Old 26th October 2023, 08:33   #9
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Good read.

If I am not mistaken, Bolt came before the Tiago, not the other way round. It was meant to be the hatchback partner for the Zest, but couldn't replicate the Zest's success.

The Force One SUV can also be added to this list. Even Amitabh Bachchan couldn't save it from being a flop.
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Old 26th October 2023, 08:37   #10
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Quote:
Originally Posted by FueledbyFury View Post
While TATA Nano was on the affordable side, there was an Italian chick at a whopping 14.93L. Fiat 500, truly an Italian beauty.

Attachment 2521792
This car is a mini powerhouse (with the small weight and a refined engine) and a huge success in Europe. You see it in every other street and the size and agility makes it a very lovable car to own.

In fact, FIAT missed an opportunity to make this a success in India by bringing in CBU instead of trying to manufacture it here.
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Old 26th October 2023, 09:08   #11
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Thanks for compiling this list. Going through the list makes one nostalgic.

A few that can be added to this list are Mitsubishi Lancer, Pajero, and Ford Ikon.
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Old 26th October 2023, 09:31   #12
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Another car that comes to my mind is Tata Sumo Grande. This was launched in 2008 but did not receive much love from the market and changed to Tata Movus and eventually discontinued.
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Old 26th October 2023, 09:45   #13
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Quote:
Originally Posted by comfortablynumb View Post
Good read.

If I am not mistaken, Bolt came before the Tiago, not the other way round. It was meant to be the hatchback partner for the Zest, but couldn't replicate the Zest's success.

The Force One SUV can also be added to this list. Even Amitabh Bachchan couldn't save it from being a flop.
I also believe Bolt came first, since at that time I remember talking to my Tech Lead about the design changes Tata is making and making the Indica more appealing etc. This whole discussion happened when there was a debate on whether to buy Tata shares or not
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Old 26th October 2023, 09:48   #14
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

Amongst the lot, I feel especially bad for the D segment sedans. These are a perfect choice for someone who wishes to upgrade from CSUVs/mid-size sedans. Alas, there is now huge 25 lac gap between the C segment and the next sedan i.e. the Audi A4 or the Skoda Superb.
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Old 26th October 2023, 09:48   #15
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re: Unsuccessful ventures | Cars that flopped in the Indian market

With Mondeo, Escort, Fusion, Figo, Freestyle, Almost 60% of the Ford portfolio endedup in this list.
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