Maruti Suzuki India Limited has been in the process of revamping its entire product line. It will now replace the 800 cc engine of Maruti Alto and 1.1L engine of Wagon R with its new series engine. Once MSIL replaces the engines, it will also be able to lower the prices of the model which will rev up the sales further.
The new KB series engines are already present in Maruti Ritz and A-Star models that are not only extremely fuel efficient but also adhere to the new emission norms that come into effect from April 2010. The new engines that will power Maruti Alto and Wagon R will be more powerful and are said to be a revolutionary change after the KB series engines. Maruti has codenamed the new engine as the YP3 engine.
This comes as a strategic business move from MSIL which will face new competition from global biggies like Honda, Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen who are planning to introduce their small car models in India in next 12-18 months. Maruti Suzuki India’s managing director S Nakanishi already feels that 2010-11 will be the toughest year for the company that has ruled the small car segment in the country unceremoniously.
