Some amazing alternate fuel cars recently displayed at the recent Auto Expo indicate that domestic and foreign auto makers are becoming seriously concerned about the availability and prices of auto fuels. Unfortunately electric and hybrid vehicles are expensive and a little impractical while fuel cell and hydrogen cars are still a rather distant dream. The big investments in these technologies however show that the industry is gearing up for a, not too distant, time when petrol and diesel will become so expensive that alternative propulsion will become attractive.
India’s car demand remains strong, despite the Maruti strike that affected the industry last year and the average buyer is getting younger (30) every year. We will therefore see more demand for small SUVs like the Premier Rio and the soon to be launched Ford EcoSport or Maruti XA alpha. Sports cars may also grow and the new BMW mini is likely to attract many competitors. Though luxury cars are growing at a furious space, the success of the quite affordable BMW X1 has attracted competition from the new Audi Q3. A beautiful Mercedes A Classe will soon follow.
Buyers today are confused by the bewildering choice of cars with new models being launched almost every week so they are in no hurry to get themselves a new set of wheels. They are also beginning to realise that every modern car is reliable and fuel efficient so their main concerns are service, spares and resale prices. They are however seriously concerned about traffic congestion and the universal shortage of parking space. This is creating a demand for large hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20, Nissan Micra, Renault Pulse and slightly smaller ones like the Maruti Swift and Ritz, Fiat Punto, Ford Figo and Tata Indica.
As the governments of every city find it difficult to widen or build new roads, this trend will grow. The governments will continue to recommend public transportation despite the global evidence that people always want private cars and bikes even when there is excellent public transport. There is also some talk of introducing a congestion tax in crowded areas or a high tax on cars parked in public spaces.
It’s becoming urgent to ensure that no new commercial or private construction is allowed without abundant parking inside the premises as every family now owns two or more cars.
With the threat of cancelling the building licenses the Government can get them all vacated and greatly ease parking.