Maruti Suzuki to launch a Kwid Rival Soon

Year on year, Maruti Suzuki's Alto 800 has been the best-selling car of India, but it is no surprise that the sales juggernaut has been gravely affected by the introduction of renault Kwid. The french automaker's offering with its plethora of segment-first features, managed to garner overwhelming response from the customers of entry-level hatchback segment. Considering the fact that 35% of Maruti's sales come from the entry-level hatch segment, posed a serious need for the automaker to come up with a refreshed model, which delivers Maruti with a new approach to the market, in turn strengthening its stand. Judging from a recent report, Maruti is planning on doing just that by introducing an A-segment, entry-level hatchback, which will rival Kwid in the Indian market.

In an interview with Financial express, Maruti Suzuki India's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenichi Ayukawa said, “Reviewing the market and offerings we are developing a new product for that segment. Already we are planning a product but we have to review the market and decide which product and which kind of model” He further added that “Mini segment is the very core of business for us and we continue to focus on that segment. We have to maintain our products.”

Renault Kwid's bookings have gone well over the 85000 units mark and the automaker has sold around 25000 units of the hatchback since its launch. This could be a contributing reason for a 4.3% year on year sales decline of Maruti's offerings in this segment, which include the likes of Alto and WagonR. Adding to the threat is Renault's upcoming 1-litre, AMT-equipped Kwid variant, which was showcased at the recently culminated 2016 Indian Auto Expo.

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Source: FinancialExpress

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