The SUV and entry-level luxury segments have killed sales in the D-segment with only a few of them sustaining decent numbers.
The D-segment is essentially divided into two parts – D1 and D2. The D1 segment consists of the Toyota Corolla Altis, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze, Renault Fluence and Hyundai Elantra while the D2 segment has the Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb. Just like the previous month, Toyota is leading in both the segments while its rivals are fighting it out amongst themselves for sales. Numbers of the Octavia are similar to the previous month while sales of the Jetta have increased by 80 units.
The Hyundai Elantra sold 148 units last month while this time it managed only 85. Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze are also pretty much constant while the Renault Fluence also makes do with very miniscule numbers each month. Again, this segment has no new products coming in the near future that will spice things up. Vehicles in the D1 segment have gotten so pricey that they touch almost Rs. 25 lakhs and buyers prefer spending a bit more and getting hold of a large SUV or an entry-level product from the big Germans.
Similar is the case in the D2 segment. The Honda Accord is no more available in the market while both the Camry and Superb cost more than Rs. 30 lakhs. For a similar amount you can get hold of a German which brings in more snob value, something that is very important to Indians, especially when spending so much. While the Camry recently got a facelift, Skoda will launch the all-new Superb early next year and things will get very interesting then.
