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Maruti on DZire drive |
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The
Tribune
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) today took on its
competitors with the launch of Swift DZire, a 1.3 litre sedan in petrol
and diesel versions.
It will replace MSIL's old war-horse Esteem, which was phased out six
months ago. The car will be available in the Capital between Rs 4.49
lakh to Rs. 6.70 lakh (ex-showroom) in three variants each, in petrol
and diesel versions.
The petrol variants would be available at prices between Rs 4.49 lakh
and Rs 5.90 lakh while the diesel versions would be available between
the price band of Rs 5.39 lakh and Rs 6.70 lakh.
MSIL managing director S. Nakanishi said, "The DZire is the seventh
model Maruti Suzuki has launched in three years. It has a special place
in our product strategy. Millions of Indians own compact cars. With
growing incomes and better lifestyle, many of them want to upgrade to a
sedan." He said many would be able to shift to a sedan because of the
price at which the Swift DZire would be available.
He was, however, confident that the price strategy for Swift Dzire would
not result in cannibalisation of SX 4 market. "The cars belong to
different markets. Cannibalisation would be minimal," he stated.
The launch of Swift DZire is also sure to create ripples in the
entry-level sedan segment of the car market. This segment, which has
models like Indigo, Logan and Ikon draws most of its sales from the
diesel segment.
For Maruti, the launch of DZire is also crucial as the company is trying
to expand its image from being a small car leader to one offering the
full range of models. The company is counting on the DZire to help
consolidate its leadership position in this segment.
While offering the DZire in diesel as well as petrol, Maruti has loaded
the car with features like integrated stereo, automatic climate control,
audio steering control and dual airbags, anti-brake locking system,
engine immobiliser and alloy wheels in the high-end models.
Although the Logan starts at Rs 3.89 lakh, the highest selling variant
is the 1.5 DLX priced close to Rs 6 lakh. Similarly, the Indigo Dicor LS
and Dicor LX, priced at Rs 5.29 and Rs 5.89 lakh respectively,
constitute the bulk of sales.
DZire is being launched at a time when the company has managed to race
past competition in the mid-sized sedan segment (A3) selling nearly
41,000 units in the April-February period of this fiscal. While
continuing to lead India's small car market, Maruti Suzuki has emerged
as the market leader in the A3 segment as well during 2007-08. |
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All rights reserved. Copyright Maruti Suzuki India Limited.