TOP 15 IN ‘15

As it draws to a close, the year 2015 – which saw both Mercedes-Benz India and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India – launch 15 models, Autocar Professional has its own 15 in ’15. Yes, these are the Top 15 stories on our website.

It would be fair to say that bikers and scooterists save a lot of time travelling as they spend most of their free time reading stories on our web. Further, we brought to you the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of sales of the Indian automotive industry, which is followed by all the top professionals across the industry. Likewise, we also provided a complete breakdown of the Delhi Diesel ban and the Volkwagen Emission Scandal with some unique stories. To sum up the year, our interviews with the top-notch experts of the auto industry is a must read.

1.  India Sales Analysis

Our comprehensive analysis of monthly vehicle sales, across segments, in India, always draws a good number of readers. And they are growing by the day.

India Sales Analysis: March | July | February

2.  Top 10 Passenger vehicles/ Two-Wheelers

Most readers want to know details on the best-selling passenger cars and two-wheelers in a month. Our Top 10 lists are much looked-forward to and often used as reference material.

Top 10 Passenger Cars: July | Top 10 Scooters September | Top 10 Two-Wheelers August

3.  Gixxers give Suzuki India a good foothold in 150cc bike segment

The Suzuki Gixxer, considered to be the best motorcycle of 2015, has been Suzuki’s ticket to regain its footing in the Indian two-wheeler market. This report details the sales of less than 150cc bikes and the 150-200cc segment bikes.

4.  Harley-Davidson Street 750 a bigger draw than Royal Enfield Continental GT in India

A head-to-head comparison between the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and the Royal Enfield Continental GT revealed some surprising results. Despite its higher cost, the Street 750 managed to beat the Continental GT sales over a period of 12 months.

5.  Bajaj Auto sales recover after 8 months, CT100 top seller

Bajaj Auto, the second biggest two-wheeler maker in India, had seen a dip in sales for eight consecutive months. However, banking on the CT100, which is popular in Tier 2 cities and rural areas, the company managed to break the trend in June 2015.

6.  Bajaj Auto readies new 150cc Avenger, aims to double cruiser sales

Bajaj Auto’s newly launched Avenger models have become an increasingly common sight on the roads since its launch in October. Autocar Professional had broken the news about the company planning the 150cc Avenger model about a fortnight before.

7.  Royal Enfield goes online with new apparel range and limited edition Despatch

A sneak peek into Royal Enfield’s new apparel range and the limited edition Despatch was a huge hit as Bullet enthusiasts thronged our gallery to view the latest products of the iconic two-wheeler manufacturer.

8.  Mandatory ABS for Commercial Vehicles in India from midnight

The beginning of the new fiscal year heralded an important step towards increasing road safety on Indian roads. And it couldn’t have come sooner. We reported the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway’s order of compulsory ABS along with highlighting the importance of the technology.

9.  Tata Marcopolo to take on Volvo, Scania with all-new Magna luxury bus

The Tata Marcopolo JV launched the Magna luxury bus, taking aim at Volvo and Scania in the Indian luxury bus market. This story garnered numerous hits for its details on the Magna and an extensive photo gallery.

10.  All the cars affected by Delhi Diesel ban

The recent Delhi diesel ban has come as a shock for industry, especially for OEMs with plenty of diesel-engined cars in their stable.  Our detailed list of all the cars that are affected by the Supreme Court order drew several takers.

11.  Volkswagen emissions scandal 

The VW emissions scandal, which unfolded from September, sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. With the scandal still in its nascent stages in the USA, our report on its effects on Made-in-India cars saw considerable hits. Also, our story on how a university lab helped unearth the scandal saw readers logging in from around the world.

Are Made-In-India cars affected? | How a university lab helped unearth the VW scandal

12.  Kwid and Baleno start off on the right foot

In terms of car sales in India, October proved to be the best month in 2015 as low interest rates, fuel prices and a host of discounts for the festive Diwali season spurred demand. Add to that the hype around the just-launched Renault Kwid and Maruti Baleno. The market response to the two hatchbacks is just what the doctor ordered for the OEMs.

13.  The Top 10 automotive jobs of the future

As smartphones get more sophisticated, watches connect us to the world and our homes grow more automated, cars will advance in ways customers cannot imagine. What will be the jobs that bring the technology that improves our lives to market?

14.  The rise of the automobile in free India

This was the most read feature story in 2015. On the occasion of India's 69th anniversary of independence, we took a close look at some interesting trivia of the Indian automobile industry, driving back into history, a decade at a time, and scrolling through the pages of its illustrious history.

15.  Interview with Dr Pawan Goenka

Hot on the launch of the much-awaited TUV300, Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director and president (Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors), Mahindra & Mahindra, speaks on the strategy for the compact UV segment.