The leading passenger car maker of India, Maruti Suzuki has been quite active towards launching new cars in the country. As reports have earlier indicated that a compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and new mid-size sedan are likely to debut in 2014, trade analysts are predicting that the number of new launches may increase. In order to stem its dominance over the Indian car market, Maruti Suzuki might be launching several new models to negate the competition given by its nearest rival, Hyundai. Reportedly, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki is readying a blueprint for product launches in India. Sources have hinted the same as the Japanese car maker, Suzuki Motor Corporation is taking the Indian market seriously.
It must be noted that Maruti Suzuki is a subsidiary of Japan based Suzuki Motor Corporation and is currently the leader in terms of sales in passenger car segment of India. Maruti Suzuki has enjoyed a great amount of success in the hatchback segment owing to its best selling models like Alto, Swift and WagonR. Further elaborating on what to expect from Maruti Suzuki, a company insider told that the company would be venturing into new spaces that include compact SUV alongside the tried and tested hatchback segment. Apart from these, new utility vehicles might also arrive in India in the coming years.
The parent company of Maruti Suzuki divulged more information at the investor conference that was held at 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. At the event, the Japanese major shared its plans regarding different car markets that also included India. It must be noted that between 2013 and 2017, Maruti Suzuki is likely to introduce 14 new models, including new generation and facelift models. Suzuki further told that in Japan 16 models would be launched over the time of next five years.
Presently, Maruti Suzuki is aiming to acquire a market share of 40 per cent in India with the help of rising demand in tier 2 and 3 cities. Interestingly, the entry level hatchback segment is among the main sales driver for the company in these cities. It is believed that Maruti Suzuki would be banking on its low cost models to achieve the target as the rivals operating in this space are quite less. According to plans meant for India, Suzuki would be introducing a new model each year depending on the needs of different markets. Apart from it, the parent company is also looking ahead to widen its dealership network in most of the markets including India.
At the investor conference, an official from Suzuki told that India would also play an important role in exporting vehicles to other regions like Latin America and West Africa as it is an economically viable market. Giving a glimpse of what all engine configurations can be seen in future generation models, the Japanese car firm told that it is shifting focus on manufacturing 660 cc, 1000 cc, 1200 cc and 1400 cc engines.
