Maruti Suzuki India could launch three SUVs in India by 2016

The recent slowdown and increasing competition in the Indian car market has also affected the sales of the India's largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India. MSI is now aiming to increase its market share by launching multiple new SUV models, which is one of the fastest growing segments in India. The company will launch 2-3 new SUVs over the next 3-4 years.

Speaking to the FE, Mayank Pareek COO for Marketing & Sales said “I am always asking the engineering guys to quicken their work on SUVs, it is the need of the hour. I expect to see a 3-4% jump in our market share once we roll out our SUVs. Its among the fastest growing sectors today and accounts for about 21% of car sales and we are not present there, so we are losing out".

According to the Financial Express, the first sports utility vehicle from MSI's portfolio will be a crossover variant of the SX4 (codename : YAD) with a higher ground clearance, and will sport several premium features. The Crossover SX4 will be launched by the end of 2014. The next will be a compact SUV based on the XA Alpha concept, which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo, but we expect it to hit the Indian shores before Crossover SX4. The third SUV will be a larger SUV, which will come as a replacement for Grand Vitara.

Internationally, the SX4 crossover is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine that develops 118bhp and 320Nm of top torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission and standard start-stop system. The vehicle offers an excellent fuel economy of 23.81kmpl. The other engine is a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, that churns out 118bhp and 156Nm of top torque. The vehicle is mated to a five-speed manual and an optional CVT with steering wheel paddles. The petrol SX4 Crossover will offer a fuel economy of 18.53kmpl.

Source: FE