Auto India, Car India

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Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is India’s number 1 carmaker and is specifically popular for its small car models. To change this image or to make its presence felt in the other car segments, it will soon unveil “Ertiga”, a compact multi-purpose-vehicle (MPV) at the Auto Expo in January at Delhi. Along with this surprise, the carmaker is also said to showcase the concept model of an SUV or a sports utility vehicle, which is designed specifically to suit the Indian market. With both the cars to be produced in India, it will help the company in competitive pricing.

Talking about the MPV, Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing) said “With MPV Ertiga, we will be creating an all-new segment in the Indian auto industry. It would also announce our entry into the upper segment of cars where we are currently not a major player…we are all set to challenge the hegemony of our rivals.” Although the prices or launch date have not been publicly revealed as yet, what we do know is that the multi-purpose-vehicle is developed in collaboration with the research and design group of its parent, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC).

Speaking further about its move in the MPV segment, Shashank Srivastava said “There is huge demand for compact MPVs in India…while the utility vehicles hold around 15 per cent of the automobile, MSIL till now did not have an offering in this segment. Ertiga will position itself in the MPV sub-segment that broadly accounts for 9 per cent of the automobile market. This is our opportunity to create a new segment that will help us further improve our position in the Indian car market.”

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL) will also start buying diesel engine from Fiat SpA from January. With the rising demand for diesel vehicles, there is long wait for the vehicles to be ready and delivered to the customers. This move from MSIL will reduce the long waiting period for the customers.