Maruti will soon add a compact SUV to this mantra, when they launch the production variant of XA Alpha (or Suzuki iV-4) next year. Built on the same platform, powered by the same engines and featuring similar interiors, these three are the best selling cars in their segment and amongst the best selling in the country. Let’s have a look at the numbers. Maruti Suzuki India has sold more than 3.14 lakh units of Swift, DZire and Ertiga this year, which is more than what Hyundai, India’s second largest car maker, has sold in the country this year.
Now, more and more car makers in India are trying this formula to imitate the success of Maruti Suzuki India. Chevrolet already has Sail hatchback, Sail sedan and Enjoy MPV. Honda has Brio, Amaze, and soon to be launched Mobilio MPV. They are also working on a compact SUV, which is scheduled to be shown as a production ready model at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Nissan too has similar plans with Datsun. They have already shown us Go hatchback and Go+ MPV, while a Go sedan is in the making.
Though it is common for car makers to share platforms, but what Maruti did, is gave auto industry a direction. Maruti Suzuki managed to get it right as to what models were going to be right for the Indian market, and now, other car makers are adapting to this mantra. The latest to join this community, is Hyundai India.
Hyundai recently launched the Grand i10 on a new platform, which features an extended wheelbase. This car is brought in to compete with Maruti Swift. Yesterday it was revealed that they are working on a Grand i10 sedan, which will be under 4 meters in length and feature the same set of engines that power the Grand i10. Simultaneously, there are reports that Hyundai is also working on a compact SUV. Only time will tell how well this formula works for other manufacturers, or are they already late?