Maruti Suzuki, the largest car maker of the country, which has received a tremendous response to its recently launched Alto 800, plans to further boost its sales by taking it to small towns and rural areas.
Ram Suresh Akella, General Manager, Commercial Business Head (South) told reporters that Maruti plans to make an overall 25 per cent growth in the rural market. He said, that small towns and niche segments, particularly turmeric farmers in Tamil Nadu, spices farmers in Kerala and Apple growers of Himachal Pradesh are being targeted to take its growth to 25 per cent. Talking about this, he said, "We are concurrently taking steps to enhance our presence in smaller towns by opening new extension outlets."
Akella pointed out that Alto has been Maruti's best seller model in the world, which was somewhat overtaken by Swift. When reminded that luxury cars are being more preferred these days, he said, "There is good demand for it even now. It is the best entry level car and is fuel efficient. There is definite demand for it."
Maruti Suzuki sells 8,000 cars every month in Kerala of which Alto alone accounts for around 30-35 per cent of its overall sales. Maruti has 58 per cent market share in Kerala, which is higher than its share in any other state of the country. Riding high on this, Maruti looks forward to taking the all new Alto to the interiors of Kerala to further increase its sales.
Maruti also plans to ship the Alto 800 to Latin America and some African countries by the end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013.
