Will expand to Tier I cities later in the year.
According to a report on Autocar India, Maruti-Suzuki has inaugurated its first premium dealership in the country, in the capital's Dwarka area. This dealership will solely cater to the Ciaz mid-size sedan, and the forthcoming SX4 S-Cross (Maruti A-Cross).
Maruti has been struggling to sell cars in segments above 10 lakhs owing to its budget brand status. The Kizashi was discontinued owing to poor response, and while the Grand Vitara is listed on the company's website, it too does not rake in volumes as its competitors.
Maruti is also reported to have hired new sales consultants from the hospitality sectors (hotels and airlines) in a bid to further enhance the buying experience for its customers. Further, reports stated the company poached executives from luxury brands to ensure better customer satisfaction.
The premium dealership count is expected to grow to around 30 outlets, with a main focus on Tier I cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kolkata and Chennai.
Also read: Maruti's premium products to be badged 'Suzuki'
Existing Maruti dealers were given the option to open new premium dealerships, which would also retail Maruti's new premium hatchback (codenamed YRA) and sub-4 meter SUV (codenamed YBA) apart from the Ciaz and A-Cross.
New Maruti Premium Dealership - Image Gallery
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross - Image Gallery