India’s leading auto maker, Maruti Suzuki India is planning to launch three completely new vehicles in India (other than Swift and Dzire facelifts) within next 12 months. Among the three new cars, mid-sized sedan, Ciaz would be first one to be launched in India followed by a light commercial vehicle and finally a compact SUV. Known primarily as a small car maker, MSI eyes shedding its old school image and diversify its portfolio by including new models. The compact SUV will underpin XA-Alpha Concept showcased at 2012 Auto Expo, the long awaited vehicle is expected to eventually go on sale by early next year.
This would be MSI’s first take at compact SUV, the segment is presently ruled by EcoSport, however a slew of entrants will be joining the band wagon in near future. Besides its first compact SUV, MSI will also venture into light commercial vehicle segment with its first ever LCV. Hence this makes both the launches extremely important for the auto maker. Other than Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki India also showcased SX4 S-Cross at the 2014 Auto Expo held earlier in February, the vehicle is also among the new cars being developed by MSI. The new launches lined up in coming 12 months go in line with the company’s urge to increase its market share in domestic market. As informed earlier the company had proclaimed to make an investment of Rs 4,000 crore in current financial year on new launches, enhancing marketing infrastructure and building stockyards etc.
Sources close to the development have also foreshadowed about standalone outlets for the upcoming LCV. Being developed under codename, ‘Y9T’ the LCV will sport a newly developed 800 cc diesel engine. Lately Y9T was spotted undergoing test runs hinting at the launch to happen soon. Facelifts versions of Swift and Dzire are expected to be spawned during festive season. Hence there is a lot to come from MSI’s stable this fiscal.
