Would the Standard Herald be successful if it is relaunched today in the Indian market?
This is not the first time an auto maker has relaunched a classic car model with modern updates. The Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle have been successfully modernized. One of the candidates for such relaunch could be The Standard Herald, which by its design and historical significance in India, is worthy of such an attempt. In order to be a modern Herald, a modern version would probably need to include modern technology, safety features, and performance standards, while keeping the spirit of the original’s one of a kind design. That would go into a market that is very different from the 1960s-70s, where the Indian consumers now have a much larger exposure to global brands and have higher expectations in terms of features and quality. In India, cars like the Maruti Suzuki Swift have been on the retro modern aesthetic for some success. But in a crowded market for the Herald would be competing against established players and would need to find its own niche. An interesting question to ask is whether a relaunched Herald could win over the imagination of modern Indian car buyers, as a niche or lifestyle product.
No way! Now the Indian market is too competitive. It would be crushed by today's modern features packed cars.
Absolutely! Retro styled cars with modern tech are a huge market, just look at the success of Mini and Beetle globally.
But it could work as a niche product. Sell it as a hipster lifestyle or as a nostalgia item for uncles.
I think it would flop. Indians don't want quirky designs of the past, we want practicality and value for money.
Maybe, if it's electric. A retro styled EV would be able to appeal to the market of both the nostalgia and the eco conscious people.
If priced right, it would be a hit. If you make it affordable, youngsters would love its unique style.
Depends on the execution. It could work if they keep the spirit but modernize everything else. It’s a tough balance to strike though.
I'd bet on its success. The Herald could be huge with the right marketing, because Indians love a good comeback story.
It would need a strong USP, apart from just nostalgia. Maybe you could position it as the ultimate city car – with that famous tight turning radius?
Nah, it's too risky. It would be hugely expensive to develop, and in such a price sensitive market there is no guarantee of success.
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Discussions and Questions Would The Standard Herald Be Successful If It Is Relaunched Today In The Indian Market
Would the Standard Herald be successful if it is relaunched today in the Indian market?
07 January 2025 09:55
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