In a bid to exercise certain control over its declining market share, Maruti Suzuki is mulling upon bringing out new products in the market soon. The introductions include mini cars powered by small 660 cc engines that are famous in Japan as "kei" cars and a sports utility vehicle (SUV), which would be the first-of-its-kind product from Maruti.

The carmaker has been burdened under the immense pressure of 7% fall in the market share, in this fiscal year so far, primarily due to its deep-rooted labour problems at Manesar. As a matter of fact, the malfunctioning plant manufactures the popular Swift hatchback. Maruti Suzuki will showcase two Kei cars, MR Wagon and Palette, in New Delhi Auto Expo next year. It is important to note that both the cars are presently sold by parent firm Suzuki in Japan.

Kei Cars

 

The company has not been definitive over its plans of such introductions in India; however, the possibility of these launches in the coming time cannot be written-off. "Though they are powered by small 660 cc petrol engines, they are not low as priced as the Nano," said Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India.

The current generation Estilo borrows heavily from the MR Wagon, which also resembles Palette but has more height. Maruti is also expected to showcase an SUV concept that has been designed by its Research & Development centre in India, in association with engineers in Japan.

"We are bringing these cars in the expo to study consumer feedback. For now there are no plans to introduce them in India," Pareek added.

Thus, the coming time proves to be a stringent test for Maruti Suzuki as its current position in the market is expecting a lot from these new launches, so that it could rise significantly.