Maruti plans 3 new Zen variants by March 2000

The final price tags of these vehicles are also being worked out, the sources added. MUL, when contacted, said it was currently working on the existing as well as new models. However, it refused to state a time frame for introduction of these models. "The upgradation of existing models and launch of new variants and models is a continuous process at MUL, as is evident from the introduction of six models and more than 35 variants over the last 15 years," the company said in a faxed response.

Meanwhile, the sources pointed out that upgradation on the Zen VX, to be christened Zen VXI, would hit the city streets in September this year. To be priced slightly above the existing VX model, the car would feature a power steering, rear wind-shield demister, side mouldings as additions on the existing Zen VX features.

The first MPFI Zen, powered by a two-valve engine, would also zip the streets almost simultaneously in the same month. The car would be Euro-II emission norms compliant and would be produced in limited numbers initially for technology demonstration, the sources added.

"We propose to have on offer only 240 units of the variant for technology demonstration purposes and for testing out appropriateness of price positioning of Euro-II compliant variant and test marketing of the product," the sources added.

The final version of the Zen, which would have a MPFI four-valve engine as its heart, would be launched in March 2000. This would complete the product variants of Zen that the company plans to introduce to stave off increasing competition in this segment.

According to the MUL sources, the upgradations and variants are being launched in order to improve value perception of existing models. Besides, it is also as part of the company’s strategy to tap more markets and also take care of emission related technology requirements on account of euro norms applicability in some markets.

It may be recalled that MUL had last week unveiled the Zen Classic, based on Suzuki Motor Corporation’s popular small car — Cervo-C. The car, priced at Rs 3.64 lakh (ex-showroom in Delhi), had an improved upholstery, different grill and tail lamps in addition to existing Zen VX features.

The existing Zen range comprising Zen LX (Rs 2.89 lakh), Zen VX (Rs 3.39 lakh), Zen AX (Rs 4.18 lakh) and Zen diesel (Rs 4.18 lakh).

According to company officials, the launch of Zen Classic reflects Maruti’s recognition of the sub-segments within the Zen market. "As the market matures, opening up such segments is critical to success as it allows us to cater to a wider variety of customer requirements."

Meanwhile, Maruti has decided not to phase out any of its existing vehicles despite new introductions over the next one year. The decision to this effect was taken in view of the surging demand for all its existing vehicles, MUL managing director Jagdish Khattar had announced earlier this month.

"We will not phase out any product till the demand for that product is alive. As long as the product is viable for the vendors and the company and till there is customer demand for the car, why should we phase out the model?"

MUL has already lined up launch of three new models over the nextone year besides a horde of upgradations on the existing models.

Baleno, which will be the first of the three new models to be launched in India, would hit the street in November this year. It would be powered by a 1600cc engine. To be available in two variants, the car would sport a Rs 7.25 lakh price tag.

The second model in the series would be the 1000cc Wagon-R, which would be introduced by the end of the financial year. Alto, an upgrade of the existing Zen, would hit the streets in the beginning of the new fiscal and would be introduced in two engine variant of 800cc and 1000cc.