Maruti Ertigas success compels key players to come up with new offerings

Reportedly, around five Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs) will be showcased at showrooms in a few couple of months as the auto manufacturers are looking to repeat the success garnered by Maruti Ertiga. Not too long ago, Maruti Suzuki introduced its first Life Utility Vehicle (LUV) Ertiga in the Indian auto market, which achieved 35 per cent growth for the company in terms of sales. The sales figures of Ertiga stood at 10,174 units in the first two months of its launch.

Earlier, the entry level SUV segment was ruled by models like Sumo, Rhino Rx and Mahindra Xylo for a long time, but these didn’t rule the hearts of buyers. Currently, Maruti Ertiga is doing fairly well, priced at INR 5.9 lacs. Addressing the efficiency of Ertiga, Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), Maruti, commented, “Eritga's compact size and big interior makes it a good vehicle for multiple needs.”

The bandwagon of new launches in entry level SUV segment will be led by Nissan Evalia. The Japan based auto maker will soon initiate the trial production of Evalia and the model is expected to be launched before the end of August 2012. Commenting on Evalia, Takayaki Ishida, CEO and MD, Nissan Motor India, was quoted as saying "We have finalised the vehicle and we are looking at introducing it around the festive period this year.”

In order to replicate the same success, Chevrolet, Nissan, Ashok Leyland, Hyundai and Force Motors are all set to launch their competitive models against Ertiga. Several auto analysts have quoted that the launch of these new models in the entry level SUV segment will set benchmarks for a perfect blend of price and utility, which is something that the Indian customers have been eagerly looking for.

Abdul Majeed, Partner, Auto Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers quoted that, “Customers had been looking for right upgrade from hatchbacks in terms of size and utility. Unlike Innova, Ertiga offers a perfect preposition of a personalised vehicle. It seats seven passengers and can also be maneuvered easily."