Car Launches In May Postponed Due To Lockdowns & Curfews: Skoda Octavia, Isuzu V-Cross & More

The Indian automotive sector was gearing up for some exciting new car launches. Unfortunately, car manufacturers have postponed the launches as the second wave of the pandemic has hit the country.

With many Indian states getting preparing for a lockdown or a curfew to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is not an ideal time for any car launches. Most car manufacturers who were planning for car launches for the month of April have already postponed their launches by more than a month.

The most awaited and confirmed car launches for this month were the new Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Alcazar, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Isuzu D-Max V-Cross and Isuzu MUX. The Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Audi e-tron were the other vehicles to be launched in the month of May.

The new 4th-generation Skoda Octavia was almost ready for the India launch in the latter stages of this month but has been postponed to the end of May given the second wave of the pandemic. The new Skoda Octavia will feature a 190bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Unlike Skoda, Hyundai had a confirmed date for the launch of the Creta based 7-seater SUV, the Hyundai Alcazar. The Hyundai Alcazar launch was scheduled for 29th April but the steadily rising COVID cases in the country forced Hyundai to postpone Alcazar's launch to the end of May.

Even Mercedes-Benz was planning to launch the updated version of their entry-level SUV — the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The GLA launch was planned for the end of April but has now been postponed to the end of May considering the lockdown due to an ongoing pandemic.

Isuzu had two of the most awaited launches — the new Isuzu D-Max V-Cross pickup and MUX SUV. The new SUV's will feature an all-new BS6 compliant 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine with a choice of an automatic or a manual transmission. However, Isuzu fanboys must wait a little longer for the launch of these two vehicles as the manufacturer has not announced any details regarding the postponed launch.

Other vehicles scheduled for launch in May like the new Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Audi E-tron have also been postponed to June due to the severe crisis India is facing as a result of the Pandemic.

Thoughts On Car Launches Being Postponed Due To The Pandemic

No manufacturer intends for its cars to be unnoticed, nor do manufacturers intend to postpone the launch. This decision to postpone these launches strongly reflect the manufacturers worst nightmares during new launches. However, this has been done in the interest of the public.

Also, launching a car during a curfew or lockdown even through a virtual event is of no use, as manufacturers will not be able to rake in the sales courtesy of the shut dealerships.

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Read more on: #auto news
Article Published On: Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 22:15 [IST]
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