The Indian auto giant Maruti Suzuki is gearing-up to launch its first ever fully made-in-India car in the country by 2012. According to industry reports, the design of this new car would be finalized in coming six months.

The new made in India car will be developed with Maruti India’s self reliant R&D (Research & Development) department and it is most likely to be placed in the segment of company’s largest selling Alto model. The new small car is expected to be shelved in the price segment of sub Rs 2 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) currently accounts for over 50 percent market share in the country and the launch of this new mass-segment car will further strengthen company’s position in the Indian market. The new ‘made in India’ car has been developed for the domestic market, keeping in mind the rival Hyundai’s upcoming 800CC small car that will be rolled-out in the country by early 2012.

MSI has planned-up a heavy investment of around Rs 1,500 crore for its Rohtak R&D centre and is targeting to become self reliant by scaling-up its vehicle development program, at this plant. The Rohtak R&D centre is the only such significant facility of Suzuki outside Japan. At present, MSI is dependent on its parent Suzuki for design and development program for its future model.