At the onset of 2010, Suzuki Chief, Akido Toyoda had stated that the year is going to be a tough one for Maruti Suzuki. He was speaking on the occasion of completion of 5 years of Maruti Swift in India. As the results of first six months roll out, his words seems to come true. For the first time in 25 years, Maruti Suzuki’s market share has fallen below the 50 percent mark.
With the new entrants in the market and small car segment getting fiercely competitive each day, MSIL is struggling hard to drive in sales. Still, its existing success stories such as Maruti Swift and Swift Dzire continue to have long waiting periods. According to Maruti spokesperson, the company is dealing with capacity issues and expanding its dealer network to handle growing sales. Thus, even if the company is showing improved sales each month, it seems that the new home-grown and foreign manufacturers continue to threaten its status quo.
Tata Motors has already shifted to the second place pushing Hyundai Motors India Limited on the third position based on sales figures of June 2010. It remains to be seen how long the fight continues for the second slot.
Meanwhile, Maruti has already introduced upgraded models of Wagon R, Zen Estilo and Maruti Swift. It will introduce the new Maruti Alto 1.0L model with K-series petrol and diesel engine next month.
