Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch a whole new range of products in the next 12 months in the country. India’s largest automaker by volumes will first launch the much awaited Ciaz sedan that replaces the SX4 in the C-segment space along with the Y9T LCV and a new compact SUV scheduled in the pipeline to be launched. Apart from the all-new models, Maruti will also refresh its existing range of models and will bring in vehicles like the Celerio diesel, Alto facelift and the Wagon R AMT to strengthen its hold in the domestic market.
Despite being the leader in the small car space, Maruti has not had any presence in the compact SUV space (apart from the aged Gypsy) that has exploded in the recent years. The company did show the S-Cross at the Auto Expo earlier this year and will launch it in the first half of 2015, whereas the XA Alpha concept that was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo is still to hit the market. Nonetheless, the XA Alpha compact SUV is likely to be launched in the second half of 2015 and will compete against the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Mahindra’s upcoming compact SUV (S101) in the segment.
Maruti Suzuki has set aside Rs. 4000 crores for the current fiscal that will be utilised for new launches, increasing marketing infrastructure and building more stockyards, warehouses and for other expenditures. According to SIAM, the automaker sold 2,41,812 units of passenger cars and utility vehicles in the April-June period this year, out of an industry total of 5,73,038 units; gathering an impressive 42.19 percent market share. The Celerio’s launch has been a major boost for the company in the last few months and the new set of products will help capture a larger market share in India.
Coming to the distribution of Maruti’s first light commercial vehicle Y9T; the automaker hinted that the LCV could have its own separate dealerships and won’t be clubbed with passenger car showrooms, considering the need and space of its car customers. The automaker is optimistic that despite its late entry into the segment, the LCV will be able to offer more advantages over the competition.
