Maruti Suzuki to launch new models in a bid to reach 3 million annual sales

Maruti Suzuki (MSI), India's leading car-maker, is looking at nearly doubling the number of models to 25, including entry into SUV and LCV segments, as it aims a target to sell 3 million cars annually.

MSI currently sells over a dozen models, starting from entry level Alto 800 to multi-purpose vehicle Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said only market would determine by when the company could touch the 3-million mark.

"To sell 3 million cars (annually), we need to have at least 25 models. With 12 to 15 models we would not be able to sell 3 million cars," Bhargava told PTI in an interview.

The company will launch a sports utility vehicle (SUV) within a few months to compete with Renault's Duster, followed by a compact SUV in 2016 to take on segment leader Ford EcoSport, as part of a strategy to be present in newer segments of the passenger vehicle market.

MSI, which is gearing up to launch a light commercial vehicle (LCV), is also in the process of setting up a separate network for its new foray.

The company, which is putting up a new plant in Gujarat that will have a total annual capacity of 1.5 million units, sold 1.16 million units last fiscal.

"We will be present in SUV segment in few months from now, a model which will be competing with Duster in that size.

It has to be something which can compete with the Duster, and in 2016 we will have a compact SUV under 4 meter, so that it gets benefit of lower excise duty and which will be in the same segment as Ford EcoSport," Bhargava said.

Both the SUVs will be available in petrol, diesel and CNG options, he added.

He further said, "So at that time, we will also be competing in the full 100 per cent of the car market and not 79 per cent as we are doing currently."