New Delhi, Aug. 20 Maruti Suzuki India expects to export 1.2 lakh cars during 2009-10. Of this, a lakh will be the A-Star, its newest hatchback.
Till April, Maruti had exported 38,000 A-Stars, benefiting from the scrappage incentives, to replace old cars with new, offered in Europe. Nissan Motor Company, which also sells the A-Star under the Pixo brand has increased its orders from 30,000 to 50,000 units.
India’s biggest car-maker expects volumes to grow in double-digit during April-October. According to Mr Mayank Pareek, Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki, sales have grown 14 per cent in April-July and the company should continue to do well with the festive season starting, earlier than usual, in September. Dealerships are already being stocked up for the festive season, said Mr Pareek, at the launch of the new Estilo. Current inventory levels are at three weeks.
The New Estilo
Maruti has dropped the Zen from the Estilo, powered it with its next-gen K-series petrol engine, introduced a new cable-type transmission and advanced gear-shifting technology, and redone the exterior for a sportier look.
The new Estilo complies with Bharat IV emission norms. The car’s revamp, excluding the engine, cost Rs 120 crore, according to Mr I. V. Rao, Managing Executive Officer, Engineering, Maruti Suzuki.
The car’s sale had averaged 3,000 unit a month last year.
The car would be considered for export to Indonesia, where its earlier version had done well. For now, however, the Estilo is not headed to Europe.
CNG cars
With Bharat Gas IV emission norms coming into effect in 13 cities, Maruti is working to upgrade its car portfolio.
Mr Pareek said that encouraged by the gas finds in the KG basin, Maruti is betting big on the popularity of CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles and its R&D team is working on CNG models.
Maruti is to also raising its diesel engine plant output to three lakh units by FY2011 from 2.4 lakh units now.
Mr Pareek also dismissed concerns that the deficient monsoons would affect sales in small towns. While a bad monsoon did affect the economy at large, till the impact on sales had not been significant, he said.
The rural consumer isn’t just the farmer but also the primary health worker, the teacher and the shopkeeper. “In July, we actually saw a turnaround in the top cities, despite the deficient monsoon,” he said. Top cities account for 44 per cent of Maruti’s car sales.
Source : Business Line