Maruti to launch Kizashi soon, plans CKD by end 2011

India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki which is the leader in the small car segment is growing focus on the premium car market. The Company is gearing to launch the premium car Kizashi in India by the year end or early next year.

Eventually the company plans to completely manufacture the sedan in India. This shows the growing importance of the Indian car market. To start with, it plans to import the Kizashi as completely built units (CBUs) and later start assembly from completely knocked down (CKD) units towards end-2011.

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.

The Kizashi is expected to be priced between 15-17 lakhs and will compete in the D segment.

Source: HBL