Maruti plans for 2011 to begin with launch of mini SUV

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) is developing a small SVU to cater to the different growing car segment in the Indian auto market. As per the reports, the company is looking for a car on the same platform of 'Maruti Jimny'- it is two door petro mill SUV popular in Japanese auto market but for India it plans to launch it as a four door diesel vehicle.

The Indian auto czars are planning to introduce seven new car models in the coming two years time. Among the models launched, it includes a small car in the Maruti Alto car category which is being made by the company's local R&D team, then they are also planing an MPV on the same lines of Toyota Innova on the R III concept. Maruti Kizashi the sedan would follow next in January 2011, the new model of Maruti SX4 diesel version which is expected to be out by February. Later Maruti Swift new car model would probably be launched in March-April and also the Maruti Swift Dzire car model.

As per the senior executive from the company, they are working aggressively to built up its exciting car models by finding new white space to be filled. The company is working on a new technology to fill the SUV space which will be a four door diesel car model. The company is also developing new concept for small SUV segment.

Mr Shinzo Nakaishi, MD and CEO of MSIL, last week revealed the plans as Maruti at present is selling two SUVs the Maruti Grand Vitara and Maruti Gypsy in petro version which are not doing so well. As per the reports Maruti will take the advantage of the Volkswagen tie up with Suzuki for the engine technology. The SUV segment is growing rapidly in the Indian auto market with diesel car models such as Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari, Toyota Innova, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour which have shown the growth of almost 70 per cent in 2010.

Maruti is also entering the premium segment with Maruti Kizashi as it is the most expensive wagon built till date by the Indian car maker and also the SUV which will help in spreading the wings further and the Maruti Ritz platform RIII MPV will help in creating new product lineup. After these series of launch, Maruti will be in a position to maintain its rank in the domestic auto market when the sales are expected to take a leap of 20-25 per cent in 2011.

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