Do Carmakers have Trend to Dump Old Models in India?

[Shynish M]

Guys, today evening on the way back to home, I happen to notice one Ford Fiesta which looked exactly like Ford Figo except for the head light assembly and some cosmetic changes. I made a google search and found a link at NextCar on Ford Fiesta 2006 model. Well, now I can say with out any doubt that Ford Figo is an outdated model of Ford Fiesta with some cosmetic changes and proably an India ready suspension as well

Mods: Is it okay to give an external link ?

 

[type-r]

actually now that you have pointed it out, it does look very similar! i never noticed!

 

[Shynish M]

The question lingering in my mind is "Dumping outdated model in Asia" has become a strategy for at least some of the international players. For example, Toyota came with Qualis, Ford with Escort, Ikon, Figo, GM with Corsa and Corsa Sail, FIAT Style ! Honda city is an unknown car out side Asia! Unfortunately, some of these models are successful too.

 

[cooldhaya]

I agree with Shynish this trend is being followed for decades by manufacturers!

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

Fiat stil is an exception. It is discontinued in India but is still in production in some parts of EU and in Brazil. The getz too is still a high seller in Oz.

 

[Shynish M]

Yes, FIAT is an exception. Hyundai on other hand has scraped Santro and Getz long back and has replaced it with i10 and i20. But the truth is, the old models are still clocking decent numbers here.

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

Yes, FIAT is an exception. Hyundai on other hand has scraped Santro and Getz long back and has replaced it with i10 and i20. But the truth is, the old models are still clocking decent numbers here.

Santro is still available and sells in decent numbers, The getz was recently shelved in Ind., but is still a high seller in Oz. I believe some car from Hyundai maybe the i10 or 20 was launched 1st in India and then in EU. Anyway, this is just an exception.

The biggest blunder's credit goes to none other than Mercedes Benz, which launched the W120 E-class in India, used as a taxi in many places, when the newer generation was available elsewhere.

The Peugeot 309, Fiat Uno, 118NE are other blasphemous blunders.

 

[Shynish M]

@*Arkin_Young* & Others:

By 'here' I mean INDIA only Santro & Getz were replaced long back in Europe.

*Arkin_Young* you are right mate, more than 80 percentage of taxis here in Denmark are the E-class series from Benz.

 

[Crazy cat]

I think I read about this this in some auto magazine but a long time ago, that is when the Figo was yet to be launched.
This trend is quite common. Apart from all the vehicles mentioned, I'd like to add Chevy Tavera(Isuzu Panther).

 

[*Arkin_Young*]

I think I read about this this in some auto magazine but a long time ago, that is when the Figo was yet to be launched.
This trend is quite common. Apart from all the vehicles mentioned, I'd like to add Chevy Tavera(Isuzu Panther).

Indeed.

Well, many people thought the Qualis would be replaced by the 2nd gen Kijang, but toyota decided not to bring just another old model to India and instead launched the 3rd gen. (Innova) They deserve their sucess.

2nd gen Kijang.

 

[350Z]

It is true that many car makers launch those models in India which are already dated or living on their last stages in foreign markets. The story of Octavia and Laura selling alongside in India is a good example. But regarding the 2006 Ford Fiesta Hatch, it does not anywhere looks alike with Figo to me (From front), of course the side and rear matches but then Figo is basically the low cost avatar of Fusion, which was already available in India since long.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[Umang]

with shynish on this. there is some trend to dump old models but i think situation has started changing very much! now many companies are launching their cars first in India and then to the world like toyota etios!