The Tokyo motor show might not have even opened its doors to the public but some Japanese manufacturers are already announcing new models for 2012 shows. Suzuki, or rather Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL) is first cab off the rank with an announcement about a model for January’s New Delhi Auto Expo.
The Ertiga (which reportedly means three rows in Indonesian) was previewed at the last New Delhi show two years ago by the Suzuki R111, a Swift-based concept. It is to be one of two new Suzuki world premieres at the Expo, the other being a compact SUV, details of which remain a closely guarded secret.
“With MPV Ertiga, we will be creating an all-new segment in the Indian auto industry. It would also announce our entry into the upper segment of cars where we are currently not a major player…we are all set to challenge the hegemony of our rivals,” MSIL Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Srivastava told The Hindu.
“There is huge demand for compact MPVs in India…while the utility vehicles hold around 15 per cent of the automobile, MSIL till now did not have an offering in this segment. Ertiga will position itself in the MPV sub-segment that broadly accounts for nine percent of the automobile market.” he added.
There is also speculation that MSIL intends to introduce one or more modified versions of existing Suzuki small cars sold in Japan: the MR Wagon, Palette and Solio will all be on display at the New Delhi show.
Author: Glenn Brooks
