When Maruti Suzuki India first showcased the all new concept car, a Maruti Compact SUV called the Maruti XA Alpha at the Auto Expo 2012, it announced that it will bring this concept car to the production version in coming two years. The initially planned timeline, which is typically about 2 years for any new car, was also planned for the Maruti Compact SUV Maruti XA Alpha also which would have made it a an approximate launch timeline of end of 2013 or early 2014. But as per the recent official statement given by Maruti Suzuki India Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi, Maruti Suzuki will fast forward the development of Maruti Compact SUV so that it can be launched earlier to take the benefits of early entry into the Indian market.
The first brand to announce its compact SUV under Rs. 10 Lakh price band was Renault which is going to launch their Renault Duster in India. Soon after Renault Ford revealed their global compact SUV, Ford EcoSport 2012 which is also going to launch in India in the year 2012. It is not clear whether Duster will make it before EcoSport in Indian market or not, but both the cars are lined up for 2012 launch in India. The compact SUV segment in India under Rs. 10 Lakh is still very competition free with huge sales potential as more and more people in India are buying sedans in the similar price segment and many of these buyers are in their thirties with purchase power and aspiration to own an SUV. Maruti Suzuki wants its share in this segment by introducing the Maruti Compact SUV earlier than the planned schedule.
image – Maruti Compact SUV Concept XA Alpha
When Will Maruti Compact SUV Launch In India?
Its has not been clearly specified on how soon or when the Maruti Compact SUV will take to get to the Maruti Suzuki dealerships and Indian roads, but a statement from the top boss of Maruti Suzuki does clearly indicate that they are seriously working on it to bring it to the customers as soon as possible. As per our estimate, even if they fast track it, they may not be able to launch is sooner than the mid of year 2013. However even if they are bringing it in the first half of calendar year 2013, which is not a confirmed timeline, it should be able to help Maruti Suzuki gain some of the early bird advantage as the Duster and EcoSport are expected towards the end of year 2012 only.
We will keep an eye on the developments of all three cars, Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport and Maruti Compact SUV, so stay tuned to us by signing up for our free email newsletter for latest updates. Check out some more Maruti Suzuki India news here.
via – FC
