After dominating small car segment for decades with as many as seven different models, India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki is entering premium sedan segment with the launch of Maruti Kizashi at the end of this year. Earlier, the company made an attempt in this segment with Maruti Grand Vitara, but failed miserably. Maruti Kizashi will be available in the range of Rs. 17-24 Lakh to compete with premium sedans like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb.
Maruti Suzuki have long term plans for this much awaited sedan, Kizashi. The car will be imported in India as CBU (completely build units)and CKD (completely knocked-down units) that will make it costlier by 100% and 60% respectively as it will attract lots of duties and taxes. So, the company is going to manufacture Maruti Kizashi in India to cut down the cost and competition.
“Maruti is building up the capability to manufacture the Kizashi as it will require a new level of quality and expertise. It aims to start local manufacturing by the time the expansion of the Manesar plant is complete, giving it adequate capacity,” said a source form Maruti Suzuki. Assembling Kizashi in India will depend on volumes built during the initial period which will enable it to gain confidence to start its assembling unit for Kizashi in India, the source added.
