Maruti Suzuki believes to register growth in NE markets; launches Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the largest auto maker in India, is aiming to record a growth of double-digits in the auto market of north east for the fiscal 2012.

Amitava Roy, Chief General Manager (parts and accessories), MSIL, said, “We expect the car market to grow by at least 10 per cent nationally this fiscal. Similarly, we are also expecting a similar jump in our sales including in the north eastern states.” Roy was addressing audience on the sideline of Ertiga’s launch, the first compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) introduced by MSIL.

In the north east region, the company registered consolidated sales of around 36,000 units in the fiscal 2011. The major contribution in these sales was made by Maruti Alto, a hatchback, which recorded sales of more than 40 per cent in the overall sales.

In the current scenario, the company has established 19 retail outlets and 12 e-outlets in the north eastern states. On this, Roy said, “We are also looking at ramping up our dealership network in the region along with rest of India.”

He further added that the company believes that its new launch, Ertiga will carve a special niche in Assam as well as other north eastern states. However, the company recently made its debut in the MPV segment with its Ertiga, which was launched on 12th April 2012. In order to cater the demands of a large number of auto aficionados, the company has offered this car in both – petrol as well as diesel versions. Upon Ertiga, Roy said, “This is a family vehicle but for multiple purposes and we are trying to create a new segment with the Ertiga.”

The petrol version of Ertiga holds a performance oriented K-series VVT engine that has a displacement of 1373 cc. On the other hand, the diesel version is assimilated with a DDiS VGT engine that has a displacement of 1248 cc. Although both of these efficient engines have brilliant emissions, they do not lag on the grounds of fuel economy. The petrol engine of Ertiga covers a distance of 16.02 kmpl, whereas diesel version delivers a mileage of 20.7 kmpl.

Owing to the price range of Ertiga, MSIL delivers a stiff competition to other cars of same segment, such as, Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. The petrol version of Ertiga is placed in the price bracket Rs. 5.8 lacs to Rs. 7.3 lacs. However, the base version of diesel engine costs around Rs. 7.3 lacs, whereas top-end variant at Rs. 8.45 lacs (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi).