Tata Nano will very soon have to share its market with the upcoming Maruti Suzuki ‘K’ cars which will for the first time make its appearance at the Auto Expo starting next year. The cars that will hog the limelight will be a 660cc and another ‘K’ car with a 1.2 litre engine.
Speaking about the 660 cc ‘K’ series Suzuki cars, chairman R C Bhargava said, “These are not like the Nano. They are more sophisticated cars, with an aluminum engine...and they don’t come cheap either.” The only reason they are cheaper in Japan is because of the cost savings. Maruti strongly denies that the car is a threat to the Nano as these cars are not cheap in terms of its making. However if the cars do manage to make it to the Indian shores then the entry level segment could well be in for a game changer.
Official sources from the company also confirmed that the ‘K’ cars are more fuel-efficient than the Alto and offer better performance. Mayank Pareek, managing officer (sales & marketing), said, “We will showcase these at the Expo, where at least a million people will get to see them. We want to gauge customers’ response to the car and also find out their price expectations.”
‘K’ cars are not manufactured outside Japan as of now and Pareek said there was no decision yet on whether they will be imported or built locally. The company will also showcase its first SUV. The Maruti Ertiga will be looking forward to set its foot in the Indian SUV car market that was left untouched by the company. The Maruti Suzuki ‘K’ cars will give a run for the money to the likes of Hyundai Eon and its own Maruti Alto as well.
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