Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer is gearing up to launch a rival to Hyundai India’s upcoming Grand i10 compact hatchback by the year 2014. The new car model is slated to be launched by the carmaker in 2014 after the launch of the new WagonR Stingray.
The expected move by the carmaker is seen as a defense strategy to retain its market share in the India automobile industry even as Hyundai India is in the process of launching new car models in order to increase its market share and inch closer to the top leadership position in the Indian auto market.
According to a company source, the new car model by Maruti Suzuki will be positioned between the new WagonR and the Swift hatchback.
The company’s move comes in response to Hyundai India’s upcoming launch of the new Grand i10 car model which will compete with the Swift hatchback and will hit the Indian auto market on September 3, 2013 with both petrol as well as diesel engine options.