5 New Car/Bike Makers To Enter India In 2018

The year 2017 is coming to an end. And though we saw many new entries in 2017, ranging from motorcycles worth crores to cars in every segment, there were some companies that despite teasing us have left us waiting till the next year. Here is a list of such manufacturers who we should see in 2018. 

1. MG Motor

Looking to create a buzz in 2018, MG Motor launched its website and started releasing teasers of its upcoming cars. It will be operating out of the General Motors plant in Halol, Gujarat. The latest teaser features the MG ZS compact SUV which will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. Also expected to be a part of the carmaker's lineup is the MG3 hatchback which will lock horns with premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno, Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo. Apart from these two, the MG GS SUV might also come to India. If launched here, it will rival the Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Compass and could come equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor. MG Motor will most likely have an exhibition at the upcoming Auto Expo as well. And though the first market launch may happen in early 2019, we are sure the company will look to keep audiences interested in 2018 as well with some showcases and a few official drives.

2. Kia

Yes, we know what you are thinking - Kia is also expected to launch its first car in 2019, right? But, that’s early 2019 and hence, we expect the manufacturer to showcase its cars at some events or be part of a few campaigns in 2018. Speaking of showcases, Kia will be present at the 2018 Auto expo and that will give us some clarity on what cars the Korean carmaker intends to bring to our shores. What is known for certain, however, is that Kia, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai, will focus on making small mass-market cars, while Hyundai will shift its focus on making more premium cars. As of now, we are expecting Kia to build a compact SUV to India, possibly based on the platform of the Hyundai Carlino Concept, a hatchback to rival the Maruti Baleno and a smaller entry-level hatchback. More answers at the Auto Expo. 

3. Norton

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Yes, it’s confirmed that Norton will launch the first lot of its bikes in India in 2018. Though these will be a limited number of CBU units before local assembly starts, the launch will take place next year. The British bike maker has entered into a JV with Kinetic and will use its Ahmednagar facility to roll out CKD units of the Commando and Dominator. The Commando series comprising of the Commando 961 Sport and Commando 961 Cafe Racer will be the first CKD units. The Dominator will come in later in both trims - Sport and DomiRacer. These will be premium bikes and even the cheapest model is expected to cost about Rs 18-20 lakh.

4. SWM

Never heard of them? That's probably because this Italian brand went out of business in 1984 after setting up shop in 1971. They came back only three years ago and will be coming to India next year. SWM stands for Speedy Working Motorcycles, and their first bike for our country will be the Superdual T. It is a 600cc middleweight adventure tourer and is expected to be priced under Rs 6 lakh. The CKD units of the Superdual T will be assembled at Kinetic’s plant in Maharashtra. The motorcycle will be available in two variants - the T which is a touring version and the X which is an off-road version. Expect the bikes to be available in India in the first quarter of 2018. We have ridden the SWM Superdual T and you can check out the review here.

5. Jawa

Yes, the iconic brand which has a rich legacy in India will most likely make a comeback in 2018. Since Mahindra now has the rights to manufacture Jawa motorcycles in India, we expect the models to be powered by a derivative of the Mahindra Mojo's powertrain. But, to be honest, our heart fancies the 4-stroke Jawa 350 OHC which takes us on a boundless nostalgia trip. Nevertheless, these bikes are expected to be here by late 2018 and rest assured, are going to be very popular. 

If you want to see any other manufacturer enter the country, do lets us know on our social media pages.