SUZUKI FAN » Suzuki R3 concept

Maruti all set to go global with RIII,SX4 platform based MPV could get VW engines

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:13:29 +0000

Maruti all set to go global with RIII,SX4 platform based MPV could get VW engines

Maruti’s big ticket entry into the large MUV/MPV space, the RIII could come out as early as the first half of 2011 (as bs motring say but at First we hear that it’s will be late 2011). According to sources, the company has already signed sourcing deals with its vendors and is looking at even exporting the MPV.

First shown at the 2010 Auto Expo, the RIII MPV will be a seven seater based on the SX4/Swift platform. Using an extended wheelbase and heavier componentry, the RIII is Suzuki’s way of hedging its risks as competition in the small car market, both in India and other markets increases.

High volumes are being quoted to vendors as the RIII is also being considered for other markets like Latin America and East Europe which are likely to be primary export targets.

The RIII is likely to be made at Maruti’s Gurgaon plant initially before production shifts to an expanded Manesar plant subsequently. Sources also say that the global production of the RIII could be concentrated only in India with fully built units or knocked down kits exported to other markets. Suzuki’s significant shareholder Volkswagen could also be called on to then assemble the car for Latin America and the company is already assessing this.

Suzuki is convinced about bringing the RIII to markets like Brazil. But it will be interesting to see the outcome of the study from Volkswagen that will decide on the RIII being assembled at Volkswagen plants in Brazil.

The RIII could feature not just Suzuki engines, but also engines from the Volkswagen group who own a 19.9 per cent stake in the company. Since Suzuki has access to only the Multijet diesel engine from its lone plant in India, which too is running at full capacity, it makes both mechanical as well as economic sense for Suzuki to consider a diesel engine from VW. One of the likely contenders could be the 1.6-litre common rail diesel motor from the upcoming Vento with 105 bhp, though this is a matter of conjecture at this point. Suzuki’s 1.2-litre K Series engine(as bs mortoring say but we think 1.2 kb series is too small unless it get turbocharge) or its 1.6-litre VVT engine from the SX4 could be the most likely petrol powerplant.

According to sources, over 20 engineers had worked on the concept and that since the Auto Expo, the company is still to finalise the footprint and other engineering alterations

Suzuki RIII will appear at IIMS 2010 Indonesia International Motor Show,rumore to build locally

Suzuki Concept R3 Information and Picture Gallery

admin with some content from bs motoring

New cars will help us retain leadership: S Nakanishi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki Interview on future Model

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:03:24 +0000

New cars will help us retain leadership: S Nakanishi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki Interview on future Model.

As Toyota as well as from other global firms such as Volkswagen , Ford and Nissan. Terming 2010 the toughest year yet for the company, managing director and CEO S Nakanishi outlines the strategies that will help the company retain its leadership position in an interview with ET.

What is the big surprise for the Indian market as competition intensifies?

There are a lot of possibilities. The premium hatchback A-2 segment comprising of the Swift and Ritz is growing fast and possibly will emerge as the largest category in the next few years. We have to position cars in that league to excite customers to buy our cars.

What is Maruti Suzuki’s strategy for that?

We are setting up Maruti’s independent R&D facility, which should be the biggest outside Japan for parent Suzuki. It will help develop cars for the local market, keeping in mind expectations of Indian customers. The new generation cars will be fully developed in India and confirm to Indian tastes.

What kind of innovations could be expected?

As a market leader we have to stay ahead. While all other carmakers have copied our hatchback (Swift) to sedan (DZire) success story on the common platform , we may reverse the trend. Like our flagship sedan SX4 has a hatchback version in the developed markets and that possibility is not ruled out for the Indian market.

Does this mean that SX4 will have a hatchback variant here?

The Indian market is developed for bigger cars and customers like to be seen a big three-box car. Reversing the SX4 sedan into a hatchback might be tough. It could be taken differently. We will try to ascertain the market and customer mindset before taking any such steps.

But what are the plans to save your market share?

We will launch new cars in new segments to keep customers within our fold. The wide basket of products will have offerings in all the segment and while the entry level car Alto could be more price efficient. We are working with our component suppliers to get more economies in our components, the benefits of which would be passed on to customers.

Can we expect a locally made SUV from Maruti?

Nothing is ruled out. Any new product has to be based logically on right price and market demand. We have Gypsy but its has worn out over the years. We were considering assembling our compact SUV Grand Vitara in India but smaller volumes did not justify that. We have options to launch other small SUV Jimny, but all these options are still being worked out.

So you are targeting the multi-utility vehicle (MUV), the fast growing segment in India?

We have showcased the R3 concept on Tuesday. It will be one of the smallest MUVs in India and first car fully developed by Maruti. This new segment will help us garner volumes and maintain our market share.

With fuel efficiency playing pivotal role in success of cars, what kind of engines are being developed?

We have successfully launched our KB series engines which will eventually get into all our cars. I have been pursuing engineers to develop a diesel engine for the SX4, but no timeframe can be specified as of now. New diesel engines are also being developed by Suzuki in Japan, which are also expected to help Maruti to consolidate market share in India. Currently the 1300cc diesel engine being made under licence from Italy’s Fiat will cater to our needs.

Will the new arrangement with Volkswagen help Suzuki develop new engines?

There are a lot of possibilities, but we have to consider existing arrangements first. It is difficult to comment anything specific on this right now. But we shall discuss the options suitable for both the companies. Europe is our largest export market and Volkswagen’s strength in Europe will be of great help.
source : indiatimes.com

Suzuki R3 comcept gallery

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:32:43 +0000

more pic http://autoten.com/2010/01/05/suzuki-r3-mpv-concept-picture-interior-and-exterior

Suzuki Set To Unveil Concept R3 MPV to replace Versa and Suzuki APV At Auto Expo 2010

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:09:16 +0000

Maruti Suzuki India is all set to unveil ‘Concept R3′ a first compact multi-purpose vehicle or MPV at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010 in January.

The 6-seater MPV has been conceptualized , designed and built from the search by a team of talented Indian designers in India over a short time span of nine months. It represents the next level of skill enhancement of Maruti Suzuki engineers.
autoten.com expect the car is all new platfrom that lauch in next 1 or 2 year to replace the 2 car model of Maruti Versa india and Suzuki APV. as the Maruti versa was minorchange,get new KB-serise engine ,wil got a lot price down and renamed it call Eeco to replace the Maruti Suzuki Omni.

Suzukifan admin expect the car will slot under toyota innova and will be Toyota Avanza competitor.

here are infomation from autocar india

After closely watching the success of the Toyota Innova, Maruti is planning to launch an MPV in India but in a segment below the Innova. The RIII concept to be unveiled at the Auto Expo will reveal a compact MPV with good packaging of three rows of seats.

Built on a stretched SX4 platform, the production version of the RIII is expected to be built on a monocoque and hence will be more car-like in its driving characteristics than a typical body-on-frame design. It would be safe to assume that petrol power will be offered via a Suzuki K-series motor, which is fast becoming Maruti’s staple engine family. Engine displacements are likely to vary between 1.2 to 1.4 litres. A diesel engine option is a must and it’s likely that the popular Fiat 1.3-litre Multijet will be employed for the RIII.

However, VW’s recent buy out of a 20 percent stake in Suzuki raises the possibility of engines from the German carmaker finding their way under the R III’s hood.

The RIII is currently only in the concept stage and it would take another 18-24 months to make it a showroom reality, once the green light for production is given. The RIII is also part of Maruti’s strategy to explore more profitable segments of the market and lessen its reliance on the small car sector where it is totally dominant.