Suzuki will soon start manufacturing the Jimny in India for exports and it will be launched here too.
The Suzuki Jimny has made enthusiasts crazy ever since it was launched in 2018 and the SUV commands a very high waiting period in all the markets where it is on sale. Suzuki manufactures this SUV at its Kosai plant in Japan and this plant is currently running at its full capacity of 4.90 lakh units a year.
Unable to increase production in Japan, Suzuki had been looking to finalise a second production hub for the Jimny to meet its growing demand and it has now been learnt that the Japanese automaker will set up an assembly line for this vehicle at its plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The project has been codenamed YWD in India.
Suzuki is expected to manufacture 4000-5000 units of the Jimny every month in India and most of these units will be exported to different markets. Production is expected to begin soon and exports will also start by May 2020. The SUV will be launched in India around 6 months after exports begin.
Maruti Suzuki showcased the Jimny at the 2020 Auto Expo but the company didn’t reveal any plans of an India launch. This being a niche vehicle, it would be difficult for the company to sell it in huge numbers and thus the high investment to launch the vehicle here wouldn’t be justified, however, now with a good chunk of the units being exported Suzuki will be able to meet the economies of scale.
The Jimny is expected to be launched in India at a starting price below Rs. 10 lakhs. The SUV will be sold through Maruti’s NEXA outlets. The Jimny is a thorough off-roader with a body on frame construction and an ALLGRIP 4WD system on-board. The vehicle comes powered by the familiar K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine offered with either a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT.
Maruti Jimny India Launch
– Will be launched in India by early 2021
– Majority of the locally produced units will be exported
– Starting price will be sub Rs. 10 lakhs
Source – AutocarIndia.com