Exciting developments reveal that Maruti is actively working on a 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara. As a prominent car manufacturer in the country, Maruti is strategically focusing on expanding its SUV portfolio, already successful with models like the Brezza and Grand Vitara. The upcoming 7-seater SUV, codenamed Y17 and derived from the Grand Vitara, is a strategic move to tap into a more practical segment. Maruti Suzuki aims to capitalize on the popularity of SUVs and intends to increase its current 20% market share in the utility vehicle market. Positioned to compete with models such as the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700, the new SUV is poised to offer a formidable choice in the competitive market.
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Maruti Grand Vitara-Based 7-Seat SUV
A report from Autocar India unveils the forthcoming SUV plans of the country’s largest carmaker, focusing on the introduction of a 7-seat SUV based on the Grand Vitara featuring a robust hybrid powertrain. Scheduled for production at Maruti’s Kharkhoda plant in Haryana, the SUV is expected to roll out in 2025. Maruti Suzuki’s MD and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, expressed the company’s strategy to capitalize on the expanding SUV trend, highlighting the potential in sub-segments within the 4-meter and 4.3-meter SUV categories. Takeuchi emphasized the company’s intent to address gaps in the market, both at the lower and upper ends, aligning with the evolving demands in the SUV market.
Following the impressive sales performance of the Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki aims to amplify its presence in the market. With a current SUV market share of 20%, the company envisions an expansion to 33%, aligning with its broader goal of achieving a 50% total market share, presently at approximately 42%. Recognizing the immense popularity of SUVs, Maruti Suzuki strategically targets this segment for growth. The forthcoming 7-seat SUV, positioned as a direct competitor to the Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector Plus, is expected to offer a more budget-friendly alternative to models like the Mahindra Scorpio N and Tata Safari. This strategic move reflects Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to tapping into the SUV market’s widespread appeal and meeting diverse consumer preferences.
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What We Think
As per the report, Maruti Suzuki has outlined an ambitious goal to achieve an annual sales target of around 2,50,000 units for both the upcoming SUV and a 7-seat variant derived from the Grand Vitara. Capitalizing on its robust reputation in India and a widespread network of service and sales dealerships, Maruti Suzuki foresees significant demand for a pragmatic SUV in this category. Emphasizing remarkable mileage figures, the company aims to further solidify its standing as the largest carmaker in the country. Keep an eye out for additional updates on this exciting development.
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