The Maruti Celerio will be employing one of the smallest diesel in the country and is expected to be launched in the next two months with a fuel efficiency figure of around 30 km/l.
Maruti Suzuki is all set to have an action-packed second half of 2015 with several new launches planned; while a host of its existing lineups will receive mid-life facelifts to keep the sales momentum going. One of the biggest additions from the automaker will be the Celerio diesel that will drive into the market in the next two months and is powered by a new 800cc diesel engine (will also power the Y9T LCV). This new engine is said to be one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in the country and will return close 30 km/l.
Suzuki has indigenously developed the 800cc diesel motor, offering low running costs as well as no maintenance hassles. Small capacity diesel units are rare in the country with a 998cc unit powering the Chevrolet Beat while the rest of the Maruti models use the 1298cc DDiS diesel engine under the hood. Optimistic about its plans with the new motor, the company aims to produce 1 lakh units of the 800cc engine and will later introduce the same in other small cars as well.
Furthermore, Maruti reported its highest ever annual profit and sales in the 2014-15 financial year and will be investing Rs. 4000 crores in the current financial year over enhancing marketing infrastructure, new product launches and product R&D. The automaker is also looking to open display centres across the country that will show different models from the company’s lineup like its does at its headquarters. Out of the allotted amount, the company has released Rs. 845 crores for its upcoming facility in Gujarat.
Maruti is also said to be opening premium dealerships that will be retailing its upcoming premium vehicles. The company will be launching the Across compact SUV later this year followed by the YRA premium hatchback while a sub 4-metre compact SUV codenamed ‘YBA’ is also set to arrive next year. At the other end of the spectrum, the company is gaining presence in the rural market and plans to expand to 25,000 villages this year, taking its total presence to 1.50 lakh villages. Despite the current position, the manufacturer believes that the rural market will flourish in the future, giving Maruti a first mover advantage.
