In an attempt to pump up the sales of its crossover Aria, Tata Motors has slated the launch of a cheaper version of the Aria. The car is scheduled to be launched in July, 2011. The less expensive Aria is expected to fall in the price range of Rs. 10,00,000 and Rs. 11,00,000 and will be a two-wheel drive (2WD) as compared to the current four-wheel drive (4WD) Aria which is priced between Rs. 13,54,000 and Rs.16,20,000 (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The auto giant had recently announced its decision of launching a two-wheel drive version of its existing Aria in this financial year. As per the numbers released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), the domestic sales of Tata Motors’ Aria and Xenon together for the month of April and May 2011-2012 was at 343 units.
According to a top Tata Motor dealer, the Two-wheel drive Aria can boost the sales due to its pricing as compared to the existing model of the Aria which is high priced and thus is not able to sell well in the Indian market. Also according to Ammar Master, senior market analyst at JD Power Asia Pacific, “The Aria’s high-price tag is limiting its volume potential, and the model is performing below expectations. A 2WD may give customers another choice, but the right pricing will be the key to improving sales.”
