Maruti Suzuki has been unshakable in the Indian small car market for decades, however, the largest passenger car maker in the country didn't quite make its mark in the premium end of the segment.
Economic Times reports that, notwithstanding its previous failures in the upmarket segments, Maruti is shifting its focus towards premium products that will be positioned above the Swift. The logic behind the move is to offer its existing compact car customers a wide range of products to upgrade to.
The company is reportedly working on six new products that will be launched over the next 12-24 months out of which four would cater to segments above the Swift.
The upcoming Maruti Ciaz would pickup a fight with the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna, while the SX4 S Cross will be positioned as a rival to the Renault Duster. Other premium launches include a compact SUV based on the XA Alpha concept which will rival the Ford EcoSport, and a new premium hatchback above the Swift that will challenge top-end variants of the VW Polo and upcoming Honda Jazz.
According to Mayank Pareek, senior executive officer, Maruti Suzuki, there are "millions" of Maruti customers who want to upgrade from cars like the Swift, to a sedan, SUV, minivan or a bigger sedan. The new products are expected to appeal to these customers.
[Source: Economic Times]
