Launched in 2004, Hyundai Getz costs a mere Rs. 4.5 lakh at that time. The car was launched for people who were in the urge of upgrading their small cars like Santro, Alto, Wagon R to a more powerful hatch and Getz was the best option available in those days. Now, things are different. We got humpty number of premium hatchbacks already now. So its time to give farewell for the old pal, Getz.
Getz lost competition to Maruti Swift, which still sells more than 12000 per month, although customers wait as long as 3 months to get their Swift. Getz highest sales record ever was in 2004, when more than 3000 cars were sold per month. During the entire year of 2009, only 6500 cars were sold. The statistics failed to encourage the Korean car maker to upgrade the car and hence, it looked dull and uninspiring for the potential buyers.
Hyundai is fueled by the sales of its i10 and i20. Currently, every month, nearly 5000 i10 cars are sold although the company targeted for only 2000 per month. This means, customers had to wait at least 2 months to get their car. But now, if Hyundai phases out Getz, it can utilize the spare production capacity to produce more i20s and i10s and help in reducing the irksome waiting period.
Hyundai was quite unlucky in India because not all of its cars were good sellers. For instance, its premium SUV Terracan was not a good seller and so is the case with its Elantra, luxury sedan. Hyundai's Santro
is continuing to do good business inspite of its dated looks. Hyundai is planning to pitch new variants of i20, its premium hatchback!
