Maruti Udyog to launch a new compact car by 2008-09

Maruti Udyog to launch a new compact car by 2008-09

India’s largest auto maker Maruti Udyog seems to be not very happy with their already dominating position in the domestic market.

The company is now planning to roll-out its fourth compact car in India by 2008-09.

Maruti is developing this car in collaboration with Nissan and it would be manufactured at their fourth plant set up at Manesar, Haryana.

This plant would cater to both the Indian and international market.

Market sources claim that this new model would not be based on any of the existing Suzuki model. And it is likely to be positioned at a different market other than their existing models including Zen Estilo, Wagon-R and Swift.

This car is likely to be a petrol-driven car powered with a 1.2 liter engine. Osamu Suzuki, chairman and CEO, Suzuki Motor Corporation spoke about their plans: “SMC has pumped in 100 billion yen in MUL’s fourth plant at Manesar, the company’s diesel engine and transmission plant, Suzuki Powertrain India Ltd (SPIL) and its two-wheeler plant, Suzuki Motorcycle Private India Ltd (SMIPL). Now, we intend to invest another 200 billion yen to help India develop as a global hub for Suzuki.”

Jagdish Khattar, MD, MUL added: “SMC plans to invest Rs 9,000 crore in MUL to help the automaker enhance its R&D facility and produce new models over the next few years.”