 "We can look at AMT: Hyundai sales head")
Automated manual transmission (AMT), pegged as the next big revolution, is sweeping the country. While Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors have offered AMT on their models, fence sitters like India's second largest car maker Hyundai are watching the developments. Maruti Celerio and Tata Zest with AMT technology enjoy high demand with waiting periods stretching up to six months. Young Jin Ahn, executive director (sales & marketing) Hyundai Motor India tells Swaraj Baggonkar Hyundai may explore the idea. Edited excerpts:
The market has taken to AMT tech very positively. Demand is seeing rising rapidly. Would Hyundai let this opportunity go?
We are watching the market, the customer preference and tastes. If they (customers) really want AMT then we need to think about it. We are now evaluating AMT strategy for the Indian market but are waiting for more response from the customers.
But what is holding you back?
In the higher versions of cars (premium cars), people will only like the automatic version (AT). Because AMT is cheaper people are going for it. But we want to focus on premium car models because AT is better than AMT. ATs have longer life. Unlike India other countries do not have AMT technology.
How much will the rise in excise duty impact demand?
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Industry demand will be growing due to several reasons. Number one - oil prices have come down so people will have more money in their hands. Second there are several new cars coming this year, every manufacturer is launching new models. And with PM Modi focussing on economic development it will mean more investment, which will in turn mean job creation.
What kind of growth do you expect?
We are hoping to grow at 9% this calendar year. We will introduce a compact SUV in the second half of this year. We will introduce the Elite i20 Cross model. We will also expand our dealer party so that dealers can approach customers much closely than before. We have 40 dealerships who have upgraded to the GDI guidelines out of the 450 we have presently.
Sales of Santro and i10 have fallen while that of i20, Xcent and Grand i10 have been robust. What is the future for them both?
We want to continue with i10 because of high customer satisfaction. Santro production is still on and you will get to hear something in this regard soon.