New pick-ups coming to India- EXCLUSIVE

The pick-up market in India is due to grow and soon multiple major auto brands will be entering this segment. Our sources have confirmed that Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux Revo and the Chevrolet Colorado are being evaluated for the Indian car market. The Ford Ranger has already reached ARAI for homologation. The other two will be following soon.

With Isuzu not having a huge network and production capacity, it has priced the D-MAX (though in the commercial segment) aggressively. Brands like Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet could capture a major chunk of this segment with even better pricing. The Chevrolet Colorado is based on the Trailblazer platform, Ranger shares its platform with the Endeavour and the Hilux Revo will be on the new Fortuner’s platform.

The pick-up segment will be a niche segment, however there will be a growth in buyers looking at this segment.

At the moment, only Mahindra Scorpio Getaway and Tata Xenon are available in this segment. The Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross will be priced at INR 15 lakhs (ex-showroom, Chennai), while the Tata Xenon XT 4×4 comes at INR 11.4 lakhs (ex-showroom price). Isuzu is at the moment is a niche player with limited quantity and touch points.

Ford’s Ranger will be a double cab and it will be getting a 2.2-litre diesel engine that will come with a five-speed manual transmission. This will also be priced in a similar range.

Ford is known for its muscle cars and pick-up trucks. The Mustang is coming in the second half of 2016 and the Ranger will also be launched by next year. These are some iconic products that will help the company build a strong brand value. At the moment, the Ranger is undergoing homologation for India at the ARAI as per one of our sources who spotted the Ranger at the facility. Ford responded to us by stating, “As a company policy, we don’t comment on speculations around our future product and manufacturing plans.”

Chevrolet’s Colorado is based on the Trailblazer platform and the company is considering introducing this after the local assembly of the Trailblazer commences.  In an email response to us, Chevrolet India responded, “The Chevrolet Colorado was displayed at the 2016 Auto Show in New Delhi in order to gauge public interest in this segment in India, and was very well received.  It depicts the true DNA and heritage of Chevrolet trucks, and brings outstanding performance, technology underpinned by strong Chevrolet quality with Authentic Chevrolet design cues to support a true lifestyle truck.

  While it is not currently available in India, we are always exploring opportunities to introduce new vehicles that meets the changing needs of Indian customers and improves our presence in the country.” When we asked on when could we expect this pick-up, the response was, “We do not comment on our future product strategy and will make an announcement if there are any developments at the right time.”

Toyota’s Hilux Revo will be making its way into India. This is will after the introduction of the new Fortuner in 2017. Our sources close to the plant confirm that Toyota is still looking at getting the Hilux. When we spoke to the company, they denied of any such products in the near future. Expect the Toyota Hilux Revo to come in only after 2017, once the Fortuner has been launched.