Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) may phase out its only SUV in the country, the Hyundai Tucson. Faced with stiff competition from Ford’s Endeavour, Toyota’s Fortuner, Chevrolet’s Captiva and Mitsubhishi’s Pajero, the Tucson has been able to sell only 3 units in the past four months. This is largely due to the high import duty on the vehicle, which comes to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). Its price range starts from Rs 16.04 lakh.
HMIL may discontinue the model after the launch of the Hyundai Santa Fe next year. However, this is not yet final. The company’s Managing Director, Mr H S Lheem, said that HMIL would try to assemble the Santa Fe at its plant in Chennai, in order to price it competitively. He also said that Hyundai would showcase a new car at the January 2010 Auto Expo, which would be a surprise for everyone. The company recently displayed a new version of its luxury sedan, the Sonata, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, which is expected to come to India soon.