Compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have taken the Indian automobile market by storm in recent times. This specific segment is growing at a brisk pace as demand is rising among domestic customers. Interestingly, compact SUVs are being increasingly preferred by buyers as they offer high power, improved comfort levels and ample boot space to make for a comfortable journey. Also, the fuel efficiency of such vehicles are pretty respectable too and thus, even if it means paying a higher retail price, customers are willing to shelve more money. According to experts, one of the prime highlights of utility vehicles is their ability to tread tough terrains owing to an enhanced power output. From what has been discussed above, it can be easily analysed why utility vehicles have been able to make a great impact in the Indian auto market.
The steadily rising demand of utility vehicles has prompted auto makers to introduce new products that conform to customers' requirements. In fact, a number of car makers have already launched new models and enjoyed great responses. Some of the best examples of successful utility vehicles in the Indian auto market are Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Mahindra Scorpio. The first two come under compact SUV category while Scorpio is a full-fledged utility vehicle. All these vehicles have contributed substantially towards the growth of their respective manufacturers. Sales of these utility vehicles have put their makers on the forefront of the particular segment being discussed here. With companies like Ford and Renault doing really well, it was inevitable that Maruti Suzuki would enter the segment, sooner or later.
Maruti Suzuki, tagged as country's largest passenger car maker, has a firm grip on the Indian automobile market when it comes to the hatchback segment. But, many feel that it lacks products to penetrate the utility vehicle market with intense zeal and zest. Interestingly, the auto maker is now ready to deal with the mounting pressure of taking a strong hold on proceedings soon with the introduction of XA Alpha vehicle. The development phase of this concept car has already been undertaken to mark the entry of Maruti Suzuki in the growing utility vehicle segment.
Maruti Suzuki, according to reports, has been pretty keen to undertake such a demanding project to lure customers and car enthusiasts all over the country. Many industry experts are of the opinion that this upcoming utility vehicle has the potential to change the course of segment despite of losing out on first-mover advantage. The auto company unveiled XA Alpha as a concept car at the 2012 Auto Expo and since then, it has gathered a lot of response from auto enthusiasts across the nation. If reports are to be believed, XA Alpha is slated for an Indian launch by early 2014. But again, this is merely a predication as any official announcement is yet to come from the company.
Also, the launch of this new utility vehicle in India will embark a new journey for Maruti Suzuki. As a result, the auto maker is more likely to incorporate new high-end innovative features in this upcoming utility vehicle along with adopting an aggressive marketing strategy. Auto analysts believe that all these moves will create a platform for XA Alpha in the country. Many of them have also said that the brand value and dealership network of Maruti Suzuki will play a critical role in making this upcoming model a huge success.
