Upcoming multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in India
Like Maruti Suzuki and Chevrolet, Honda and Nissan are also aiming to introduce their affordable multi-purpose vehicles in the Indian car market. The demand for utility vehicles in India are on high, and Ertiga and Enjoy MPV has been doing good business for their respective carmakers. A segment with huge possibilities in developing nations has propelled the two Japanese automakers to introduce their own affordable MPVs- Mobilio and Datsun Go+. Recently, Nissan that has recently revived its low cost Datsun brand, showcased its all-new Go+ MPV at the 2013 Indonesian Motor Show. The same will also make its way to the Indian car market.
Honda has also showcased its all-new Brio based MPV, Mobilio at the 2013 IIMS. The Mobilio is a seven seater MPV and will be launched in the Indian car market by the end of the next year. The Japanese automaker will also launch the new Jazz and City by the early 2014. Honda is waiting to start developing these products at its new manufacturing unit in Tapukara, Rajasthan, which will have a production capacity of around 1.2 lakh a year.
Datsun Go+ MPV is based on the Go hatchback, and the same will also be introduced in India by the early next year. The vehicle will be manufactured locally, and is expected to be priced under Rs. 6 lakh. It will be made available in both petrol and diesel versions. While the petrol model will get the 1.2-litre petrol engine, the diesel vehicle will be powered by the 1.5-litre engine that also does duty to the Nissan Micra.
Moreover, rumors are also on rife that Renault is also planning to launch an affordable MPV in the Indian car market. It is also speculated that the French automaker will bring the Lodgy MPV in India, which is basically developed by Renault owned Dacia.