The Hindu Business Line : Maruti's future models to have new-gen engines

New Delhi April 22 Car major Maruti Udyog Ltd will be driving in its future models on new generation of engines, starting with its SX4 sedan slated for launch next month.

"We are preparing ourselves in our engine capability for Euro IV and Euro V norms," the Maruti Udyog Managing Director, Mr Jagdish Khattar, said. The investment on engines was a part of the Rs 9,000-crore outlay the company has already announced, he added.

Emission norms

Mr Khattar said all future models from the MUL stable would be equipped with the new generation of engines to align itself with parent Suzuki Motor Corporation's strategy of complying with stricter emission norms.

"Suzuki is already producing Euro IV and Euro V-compliant engines for Europe and we are trying to run parallel to them," he said, adding that the M-series engine on the SX4 sedan will mark the beginning of the new generation engines in India.

At present, the M-series, dubbed as the future of Suzuki engines, is being imported from Japan and fitted with a few components at Suzuki Powertrain India Ltd's facility at Manesar near Gurgaon for the SX4 sedan. The company is in the process of increasing the localisation levels.

Mr Khattar said that the company would have four platforms for its cars, of which three already exist. "One is the Alto, Zen and Wagon R. Swift is based on the second, while SX4 would be the third platform we are launching. The fourth platform would be any bigger car that we may launch in the future," he said.

New model

Maruti is launching its SX 4 sedan targeted at the A4 segment in the first week of May. It would be equipped with 1.6 litre M-Series petrol engine and priced at around Rs 7 lakh. SX4 would be competing with cars such as the Honda City, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Verna. It would also mark Maruti's strategy to position itself as an aggressive player in the premium segment. The Esteem will continue to be the company's entry-level sedan, with price points close to the aggressive pricing of Mahindra-Renault's Logan.

"Our core competency lies in manufacturing small cars. Last year, the total market grew at about 20-22 per cent, but the compact car segment grew at 30-32 per cent. But we know how to evolve with the times. With changing times, we would like to be more stylish and contemporary," said Mr Khattar.

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