The Hindu Business Line : Maruti to offer `2-wheeler to car' scheme in more cities

AFTER the successful launch of a pilot project for a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler upgrade with a monthly instalment of Rs 2,900, Maruti Udyog Ltd plans to extend the scheme to various parts of the country.

The Chief General Manager of Maruti Udyog, Mr Arvind Saxena, said: "Exchange offers constitute a significant chunk of business. This upgrade is currently offered through about 60 outlets in the country and the network continues to grow. The first time car buyer has found this two-wheeler to car upgrade useful and we are selling about 150 cars a month in this offer. We have tied up with SBI and other banks for this offer." Speaking to newspersons here today after inaugurating an extension outlet of its dealer, Mr Saxena said: "The company recorded 54 per cent share during April-October, up from 53 per cent last year.

"WagonR has registered 70 per cent growth during April-October and Esteem after its relaunch has recorded volumes of about 2,500 vehicles a month, up from 900 it was managing before. This has actually resulted in a wait-list and we are looking at the possibility of scaling up production," he said.

"The company, which currently has 190 dealers and 300 extension outlets, plans to increase this number to about 325 by March 2005. This is well complemented by TrueValue outlets ," he added.