SUZUKI FAN

Maruti Suzuki Plans ‘cost down’ version of the existing Alto

In its present avatar, the WagonR comes with a 1061cc petrol engine besides a dual fuel version with LPG and petrol options. It provides 64 bhp power and 84 nm torque on a 4-cylinder MPFI engine.

But the ‘YR9’ model would be strapped with the new generation K-series petrol engine, which could be lower in engine displacement (cc) but is expected to come with much more power.

The K-series options before Maruti are a 1000cc or a 1200cc engine and either could be used on the new car. But it is certain that this new model would come at a “substantial” price premium to the existing WagonR.

In Mumbai, ex-showroom prices of the WagonR range between Rs 3.33 lakh and Rs 4.55 lakh.

Not just a new WagonR, upgraded models from the Alto family are also expected soon.

An upgraded Alto at a price premium is expected in the second half of this year while a ‘cost down’ version of the existing Alto – to bring it close to the price levels of the M800 – should be in the market subsequently.

The M800 is being phased out of 13 top cities from next month, when BS IV emission norms kick in. The upgraded Alto will come with the advanced K-series engine, significant design and styling changes and may be priced close to the Rs three lakh bracket. Vendor sources say Maruti does not expect major volumes from this variant – only 60,000-70,000 units a year. But the ‘cost down’ Alto is expected to generate sizeable volumes for the company.

Suzuki may up MUL stake

Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki Motor Co, is in India to celebrate the landmark rollout of the one millionth car from the Maruti Suzuki facility in Manesar on Tuesday. Maruti’s production in the April 2009 -February 2010 period has already touched 9.31 lakh units while sales stood at 9.23 lakh units.

Maruti’s performance has almost never given Suzuki cause for grief, having invested in the Indian company way back in the early eighties. Now, unconfirmed reports suggest that Suzuki is thinking of increasing stake in Maruti beyond the current 55%.

Though it does not materially change Maruti’s shareholding, since the company is already majority owned by Suzuki, any such move could instill further confidence in Maruti’s shareholders.
source DNAINDIA

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2. Maruti to bring new variants of Alto, WagonR & Swift and run a cost-reduction programme
3. Maruti Suzuki M800 has to be phased out of 11 top cities and plan a “cost down” Alto
4. Maruti Suzuki Alto set to get a 1 liter K-Series Engine
5. Maruti Suzuki begun dispatching the BS-IV version of its ‘Alto’ to dealer
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