Maruti Suzuki to roll out a new car every year

New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Committing at least a new model every year, country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd today showcased three concept cars -- A-Star, Splash and Kizashi at the 9th Auto Expo here.

''We will launch at least a new model a year in India,'' Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi told reporters at the launch of the products at the expo.

He said the production models, based on Concept A-Star and Concept Splash, will be launched in the country in the near future, and will help the company achieve its goal of one million unit sales by 2010.

Mr Nakanishi added that the company will launch more world strategic models, step up its research and development, boost exports to Europe and the rest of the world.

He said the firm will also invest in facilities for manufacturing, marketing and brand building.

''I believe Maruti Suzuki is ready to play a major role in Suzuki's global operation,'' Mr Nakanishi said.

Concept A-Star, jointly designed and developed by both the companies, comes with a high efficiency 1.0 litre engine for outstanding fuel economy.

The production model, based on the design themes of the Concept A-Star, will be sold in Europe, India and other neighbouring countries.

''The concept A star will be produced in the Manesar plant of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), the production of which will begin in autumn next year,'' Mr Nakanishi said.

Concept A Star is an A-segment 5-door hatchback model and is equipped with Euro-V compliant.

Both the Splash and A Star, though in the 'family' segment of the company, Splash will have a bigger platform then the A Star.

The company plans to make Splash available for sale in Europe in spring 2008 and expects to reach Europe-wide sales of about 60,000 units per year.

Earlier, the company had said it will sell its concept car 'A Star' to Nissan on an OEM basis in Europe.

Japan's second largest mini-car maker had signed an agreement last year, under which, Suzuki was to develop and build a new compact car for Nissan, mostly bound for the European market, starting in 2008.

The current capacity of Manesar plant is one lakh units, comprising Swift and SX4. The capacity will be hiked to 1.2 lakh units by mid-next year and touch three lakh by 2010.

Mr Suzuki added that the price of the car will be competitive and for its exports the company will deal in Euro terms to negate any effect of the softening dollar.

UNI SBA SR BD1625