While demand for SUVs is increasing, small cars seem to be suffering in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has seen a significant decline in its market share. The company’s market share has fallen from over 50 percent to around 42 percent. This change can be attributed to the popularity of Maruti Suzuki’s SUV models, Brezza and Grand Vitara, which are driving sales. The once best-selling models, the Maruti Alto and Celerio, are no longer in the top ten.
Despite these setbacks, the company is optimistic about the small car market and has decided to reduce the prices of its models to increase sales. But how much has the price changed? Will this help the company regain market share? Let’s find out.
Attention readers! Join our WhatsApp community for daily updates on auto news.
Price cut for Maruti cars
Maruti has decided to reduce the price of all its hatchback models by Rs 5,000. The price cut is applicable only to the AMT variants of Alto, S-Presso, Celerio, WagonR, Ignis and Baleno. According to Maruti, the new lower entry price will make automatic cars more affordable, thereby increasing their popularity. Moreover, the brand also believes that automated manual transmissions (AMTs) are the ideal choice for those who want to drive a small automatic car in Tier 1 cities.
With the price cut, the Alto AMT now starts at Rs 6.5 lakh, while the WagonR and Baleno are priced at Rs 7.52 lakh and Rs 9.21 lakh (on-road, Mumbai) respectively. The only hatchback model exempt from this price cut is the recently launched Maruti Swift. The prices of the new model have been decided keeping these price cuts in mind.
Read more: This Mahindra SUV beats 19 competitors
Maruti’s future plans
Following the recent success of the Maruti Swift, the company is preparing to launch its compact sedan Dzire in the Indian market. The new Dzire will have the same engine as the Swift but a longer features list that could include a sunroof. Other new models planned are the Swift CNG and the Maruti Baleno facelift.
In addition to the above models, the company will launch the 7-seater Maruti Grand Vitara and the SUV Maruti eVX to increase its market share.
Would you buy Maruti’s new AMT range of cars in India? Is the price cut of Rs 5,000 a good move to attract customers?
Read more: Tata Altroz Racer teased – More features than Baleno
If you have any doubts while buying a car, click here to ask! For more such content, stay tuned to MotorOctane Youtube, Google News, Facebook and Þjórsárdalur.
