The country’s largest car maker is also planning a blitzkreig of new launches and to debut in the multi-utility vehicle (MUV) segment. This yet-to-be-named new vehicle, with seating capacity of up to seven people, will remain compact in dimensions and is expected to be the next big volume driver for the company.
The MUV has been developed by Maruti’s Indian engineers with help from Suzuki’s research and development wing. The MUV will be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo. We expect the Maruti could possibly launch with an MUV on an extended wheelbase of the Jimny SUV. Maruti is surely looking at the Bolero whose is now selling more 7000 units per month.
Tata recently has revamped the Sumo and Grande. With MUVs sales increasing , Maruti certainly wants a pie of the MUV segment.
Sources said the vehicle was ready and would hit the local markets by March next year. Maruti also plans to export the MUV.
The company will also bring a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), popularly referred to as a van, in India. Christened ‘Ertiga’, the MPV will come with a diesel-cum-petrol engine.
Also on the anvil is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), a concept version of which will be unveiled in January, while the production version is expected to hit the market later. Apart from the ageing Gypsy, mostly used by the armed forces, Maruti does not have a product in this category. We expect either the SX4 sports hatch or the Jimny to be launched in India.
With new products Maruti will try to regain its lost market share.
Source: BS
