Maruti to launch 12 new vehicles; targets 50% market share

Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker in terms of sales, is planning to launch a slew of products in the country to try and increase its market share to over 50% from the 46% which it currently holds.

The company is working on a strategy which will see 12 products being introduced across various segments including many new ones such as sporty hatchbacks, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles and large vans. Among the cars expected in the foreseeable future are the S-Cross crossover, which will be launched in 2015 and will be priced upwards of Rs. 10 lakh. This will be followed in 2016 by a compact SUV with a sub-4 metre length. The Vitara, a mid-sized SUV, is likely to be launched in 2018. Maruti is also working on an MUV, which will be positioned above the Ertiga.  An LCV (codenamed Y9T) based on the Suzuki Super Carry is expected be introduced in the April-June quarter of 2015. Maruti will also launch a premium hatchback (codenamed YRA), which will slot above the Swift in its line-up. Additionally, the company will give updates to its existing models.

Apart from new cars, Maruti is also working on new technologies like hybrids, diesel and turbocharged petrol engines in an attempt to improve fuel efficiency.

The company is setting up two new plants in Gujarat, which will increase its annual production capacity to over 2 million units.

Source: Financial Express