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New Delhi: The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India said it will launch a limited edition of its compact car Ritz tomorrow, which will cost about Rs 16,000 more from the existing version.

The firm will introduce about 5,000 units of the limited edition, which is based on the current Vxi and Vdi versions, over the next three months in both petrol and diesel options.

The new variants of Ritz will be priced at Rs 4.52 lakh and Rs 5.31 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), as against the existing Rs 4.36 lakh and Rs 5.15 lakh for Vxi and Vdi versions, respectively.

“Ritz has received very good demand from customers. I am confident that the new edition — Ritz Genus — will find great appreciation with customers,” Maruti Suzuki India Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Srivastava told PTI.

‘Ritz Genus’ will offer various new features such as key less entry, tilt steering and integrated music system.

Launched in May 2009, Ritz has clocked a total sales of over 86,400 units so far. The car is available in 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel options.

MSI has been introducing new options, including five CNG variants of its different models such as Alto and SX4, in order to strengthen its position in the Indian car market after its share dropped below 50 per cent this fiscal.

NEW DELHI, August 4, 2010: Brand Alto, India’s largest selling car brand, now gets even more strength.

Maruti Suzuki today launched another version of Brand Alto, equipped with a K-series, 998 cc engine. This version, called ‘Alto-K10’, comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission, superior brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers.

The existing Alto clocks average sales of over 20,000 units every month. Maruti Suzuki expects the Alto-K10 to bring in additional customers.

Highlights of Alto-K10
• Fuel efficiency: 20.2 km per litre – the highest among petrol cars in A2 segment
• Performance: Alto-K10 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 13.3 seconds
• New cable type transmission for easy gear shifting and enhanced driving pleasure

Changes in Dimensions, Exterior and interiors:
• Alto-K10 is longer by 125mm to accommodate the bigger K-series engine. It has a new aggressive front, with a differently styled combination of dynamic hood, bold eagle-eye headlamps with crystal-clear lens.
• The Alto-K10 comes with
o Tinted glasses
o Body coloured bumpers
o Precise and smart front grill
o Stylish tail gate o Large13-inch tubeless tyres
o Trendy wheel-covers
o Interesting body side mouldings
• Plush two-tone interiors and an all-new 3-spoke steering wheel. These are aided by
o Vibrant new colours for upholstery
o Colour coordinated door trim fabric
o Stylish gear knob
o Integrated headrests at front and rear
o All-new speedometer, tachometer and electronic tripmeter o Vanity mirror
o Accessory socket
o Rear parcel tray
o Ash tray and Cup holder
o Front power windows
• The designers imparted special attention to the rear exteriors of the Alto-K10 with a newly designed back door and a fresh set of rear combination lamps.

While the existing Alto will continue to serve customers across India, the new sibling, Alto-K10, is specifically targeted at those customers, who are looking for premium features and performance in an economical package. For the record, the existing Alto holds the singular achievement of selling the highest number of units by a single model in a month with a staggering 25,340 units in May 2010.

Superior power and fuel efficiency
o Alto-K10 is powered by a 998cc three-cylinder ‘K10B’ engine
o Fine balance of more power and high fuel efficiency o Remarkable peppy performance
o Peak power of 68ps@6200rpm
o High torque of 90Nm@3500 rpm Low emissions and Low NVH.
Alto-K10: High on Safety and Security
o Collapsible steering column
o Improved suspension system
o Improved brake system
o Side impact beams
o Front fog lamps
o Headlight leveling device o The child locks on the rear door
o Central locking
o i-CATS, to minimizes chances of a burglary
o High mounted rear stop lamp
Comfort
o Air-conditioner and a heater
o Power Steering
o 13-inch tubeless radial tyres
o 4.6 meters turning radius to take on traffic and parking challenges
o A high 160 mm ground clearance o Improved knee-room for rear seat passenger comfort
o Remote fuel tank lid opener
o Remote back door opener
o Key-off reminder
o Internally adjustable ORVM
Environment Friendly
o BS IV compliant o E-10 and ELV compliant

The new Alto-K10 is available in an array of six colours :
• Sunlight Copper • Fire Brick Red • Ecru Beige
• Midnight Black • Superior White • Silky Silver

Introductory Price
Model City Ex Showroom (Rs)
Alto-K10 LXi Delhi 3.03 lakh
Alto-K10 VXi Delhi 3.16 lakh

New Delhi: In an unprecedented move to defend market share, the country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India will launch five cars in CNG version in a single day in the second week of next month.

The company, whose market share has come down below 50 per cent in the quarter ended June for the first time in its history, will unleash factory-fitted CNG options of its best selling Alto, compact cars Estilo and WagonR, multi-purpose vehicle Eeco and mid-sized sedan SX4.

“The CNG models will be very important in our portfolio. We are the first company to come out with factory-fitted CNG cars and we will have the first mover’s advantage in the market,” MSI Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Srivastava told reporters here.

In the April-June quarter, MSI’s market share fell to 47.59 per cent from earlier over 55 per cent in the 15 lakh units per year domestic car segment. It had sold 2,06,377 units during the quarter in a total market of 4,33,641 units.

The company has decided to launch all the five versions on a single day in the second week of August because there is no particular segment for CNG cars unlike other models, which can be specified into different strata, Srivastava said.

“It is the launch of a technology, not the cars. It is the concept of factory-fitted CNG models,” he added.

Besides, MSI will launch a two new versions of its small car Alto on August 4 with a 1.0 litre K-series engine.

The Alto is the best selling car model in India averaging over 20,000 units per month. The company has sold nearly 14 lakh units since its launch in September 2000.

“We are expecting about 25 per cent increase in Alto’s sales after the launch of the new variant — AltoK10,” Srivastava said, adding the first time buyers are gradually going for more sophisticated and feature-oriented models.

In April, MSI had introduced BS IV compliant Alto on the existing 800cc F Series engine and this model will continue.

When asked about the possible price of the new Alto, he said: “There is a huge gap between the top model of existing Alto and the base version of Estilo. The base variant of AltoK10 may be priced between this range.”

The existing Alto is priced between Rs 2.29 lakh and Rs 2.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Estilo starts at Rs 3.20 lakh and goes up to Rs 4.10 lakh.

AltoK10 will have a mileage of 20.2 kilometer per litre as per Automotive Research Association of India standards.

The company currently offers retro-fitted CNG versions in Alto. Besides, it also offers dual fuel mode in M800 and Omni, which are available in LPG-cum-petrol variants also. Earlier WagonR was also coming with a LPG variant, but MSI stopped producing it after launching the new WagonR.

PTI
See this story in: The Economic Times (Web Edition)

Mumbai: The Nissan Micra, scheduled to be launched in mid-July, has received nearly 1,000 bookings since the process began on May 25.

The momentum has picked up from June 10, soon after the news of Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor being roped in as Nissan Motor India’s brand ambassador became public. Till then the booking tally was around 400, but sources said the number could now be near 2,000 by the end of this month. “Ranbir is a big draw among youngsters who enjoy seeing his films,” said a source.

The Micra will be part of the B-plus segment (which includes the Suzuki Swift and the Hyundai i20) and is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 4-5.5 lakh for its four versions. The booking trend indicates that the top-end option, Micra XV, has had the maximum response followed by the XL, which is next in line. In contrast, the base XE version is someway behind, sources said.

Nearly 35 per cent of the bookings in Bangalore have been made by women, most of whom are professionals in the IT sector.

“This is an interesting feedback and has been a pleasant surprise to Nissan,” an official said. Delhi has emerged tops among the metros, something which was “not entirely unexpected”.

Customers, especially women, have been curious to know when the company is planning to bring out an automatic version, especially in the context of growing traffic and difficult driving conditions. Others have expressed interest on a diesel version of the Micra and it remains to be seen how soon the manufacturer will comply with this demand.

The retailing process will be the responsibility of Hoover Automotive India, Nissan’s sales and distribution arm. Thus far, there are only 11 dealerships. But there are plans to increase this to 20 in the coming months.

To that extent, the accessibility of the Micra will be confined to select cities and towns though the retail network could expand after gauging the market response to the car.

Nissan has, of course, readied a business model that will see exports play a big role to the extent that domestic numbers will lag behind for some time.

This is also largely a result of shifting the Micra’s production line from the UK to India — which also brings in the added responsibility of servicing European markets.

According to sources, the company’s biggest challenge would be to ensure that it can cope with its order book so that customers do not have to wait for months on end to get their car. “This is critical, especially when there are other options in the compact car segment,” said a source.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/06/17/stories/2010061752660200.htm

Press Release

Maruti Suzuki launches all-new WagonR – the blue eyed boy

More spacious family car sports powerful K-series engine, new transmission and suspension

NEW DELHI, April 23, 2010: India’s most favourite family car just got bigger, spacious and more stylish with Maruti Suzuki, the country’s number one automobile manufacturer, launching an all-new WagonR – titled endearingly ‘the blue eyed boy’.

The new WagonR comes with a new, powerful and highly fuel efficient 998 cc K-series engine, delivering a high fuel efficiency of 18.9 kmpl. It also comes with a new transmission with cable-type gearshift, and a superior suspension technology. Thanks to a brand-new platform, the overall length of the new Wagon R is now increased to 3,595 mm (an increase of 75 mm) with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm – the longest in its class. The new WagonR is also wider and taller; the new dimensions are 1,495 mm and 1,700 mm, respectively.

The new WagonR joins the Maruti Suzuki range of five vehicles in the ever-growing A2 segment. Thanks to this wide choice of vehicles, Maruti Suzuki commands a staggering over 56 per cent in the A2 segment.

On the occasion, Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The all-new WagonR carries forward the decade-long leadership and success of the WagonR brand. The new WagonR is a full-model change in terms of superior technology, interiors, looks and styling. The new, larger platform brings in comfort and space while the superior technology of K-series engine delivers more power, greater fuel efficiency and is environment friendly.  We are confident that the new WagonR will further strengthen the leadership position of Maruti Suzuki in the A2 segment.”

Superior K-Series Engine

At the heart of the new WagonR is a 998cc three-cylinder K-series engine. This engine delivers a power of 68PS @ 6200rpm and a high torque of 90Nm @ 3500 rpm. With increased power, the new WagonR delivers increased fuel efficiency too – at 18.9 kilometers per litre, amongst the best in mid-A2 segment cars.

Improved Transmission

The new WagonR comes with a new 5-speed synchromesh transmission technology that incorporates numerous innovations to enhance the power and pleasure combination. The new transmission is equipped with precise gear shift mechanism. This reduces the gear shifting effort due to minimal mechanical losses. The gear ratios in the transmission in the new WagonR are optimized to enhance drivability and improved fuel economy. A reduced clutch-pedal peak-load helps to improve the city driving experience.

Spacious and Convenient

The tall boy design and best-in-class adjustable front seats are especially convenient for tall people. With a large wheel base that leads to best-in-class leg space at the rear, the new WagonR seats five people in great comfort with ample leg room and shoulder room. Alongside, the larger doors with wide opening make entry and exit easy, while optimised cushion depth and width on the rear seats increase seating comfort. Wide windscreen ensures uninterrupted panoramic view and adds to the light-filled-spacious-cabin-feel.

All this clubbed with the gigantic boot space makes the new WagonR a perfect smart-family vehicle. While the rear parcel tray improves storage and keeps the users’ valuables hidden from prying eyes, a smart integrated tool box in the boot leads to the overall charm.

Storage space gets special attention in the new WagonR. As a unique feature, a handy shopping tray is fitted under front passenger seat. To safeguard the cell-phone camera unit, a soft insert has been introduced to the floor console. These apart, there are useful alcoves on the front console and door sides,  a utility hook on the IP, and a 60:40 split rear seat add to user convenience. Two retractable cup/can holders on the driver’s and the co-driver’s side, and a bottle holder in the centre console add convenience and lead to user delight.

Stylish

Brand WagonR has been the undisputed leader in its segment for over a decade now. To commemorate the brand’s success, the new WagonR – pegged as the ‘blue-eyed boy’ of the great Indian family – has been styled with a distinctive blue tinge on its head lamps, which is a first-of-its-kind OE feature for A2 segment cars in India. This feature and a classic chrome-engraved ‘WagonR’ badge on the rear door together celebrate the brand’s success with over eight lakh proud WagonR owners.

The new WagonR’s aggressive front – bigger and sweeping lamps, wider bumpers that stretch to the corners and flared fenders – coupled with a slanted roof and aerodynamic exteriors impart a forceful, ready-to-go feel.

The deluxe interiors come with soft and subtle blue-silver interior theme, while the dash-integrated music system with AUX-in and 6 band graphic equalizer gives a new age touch.

Safety

The new WagonR is high on occupant safety. A rigid cage structure technology alongwith  increased frontal impact absorbing area, thanks to greater distance between steering wheel and front bumper, keep the passengers safe. The Vxi variant in the new WagonR is equipped with front and rear fog lamps, rear wiper and washer, rear defogger, dual horn and comes with safety features such as Airbag and ABS as options. A driver-side seat belt indicator is on the dash panel a standard feature on Lxi and Vxi variants. The new WagonR keys are integrated with i-CATS, 4-door central locking and anti-theft alarm system.

A Comforting Ride

The new WagonR comes equipped with a new L-shaped front suspension frame for an enhanced ride comfort. This fine-tuned 3-point suspension is congruous to Indian roads and driving conditions, providing soft relaxed rides along with dynamic handling and lower NVH.

The new design steering wheel can be tilted to suit driver’s driving comfort, while the ergonomically designed gear shift knob snugly fits into the driver’s palm. Other features include electrically controlled outside rear view mirror. With snug interiors and improved HVAC design, the new Wagon R brings in superior cooling comfort.

A tight turning radius of 4.6 meters makes the new WagonR a favoured drive in peak traffic conditions and tight parking spots. Tubeless tyres, as a standard fitment on the new WagonR, and a ground clearance of 165 mm ensure ride comfort.

Environment Friendly

The new WagonR is BSIV compliant, ELV compliant and E10 compliant. With the new WagonR, Maruti Suzuki is steadily moving towards the goal of making its full range of vehicles environment friendly, much ahead of the norms being adopting in the country.

Vibrant New Colours

The new WagonR is available in three variants Lx, Lxi and Vxi and seven exuberant colours.  Metallic Breeze Blue is the signature colour of the new offering. Other body colors are as follows:

Introductory Ex-showroom prices of the new WagonR in Delhi are: