Maruti Suzuki India has lost a considerable 3% market share this June 2011 due to production losses owing to the worker’s strike at its Manesar plant. It is also facing tough competition from new launches in the market by other competitors. Maruti now plans to regain its market share and profits through a series of strategies focusing mainly on the Swift. New features and dimensions are being planned for the improved version of the car to be launched in August 2011. The launch will coincide with the expansion of the diesel engine manufacturing capability of the company to 3,00,000 units a year.
The majority of Swift cars sold are powered by diesel engines and Maruti is relying on this fact along with enhanced production capacity to help it make up for its production losses. It is being said that the new Swift will feature 13% higher fuel efficiency with the help of a new plastic fuel tank which will result in the weight reduction of the vehicle. The tank will also offer other incentives such as crash, fire and corrosion resistance and recyclability. The new model would be slightly longer in dimensions to address the space issues in the backseat. A longer wheel base and shorter height will further help in improving the handling of the vehicle.