In slump,auto cos power SUV launches

At least three big-ticket launches re expected by the end of this fiscal include Renaults Duster SUV and Fords customised EcoSport,both in the sub-Rs 10 lakh range as they are likely to benefit from tax exemptions that hinge on limiting the length and engine size of the vehicles. Maruti Suzuki has launched a bid for the SUV market by launching a concept called XA Alpha in the compact utility vehicle space,with its Gypsy pretty much out of production. The countrys largest car maker claims to have opened up a new product window with its recently launched Ertiga categorising it as a Life Utility Vehicle.

The increased focus in the segment is expected to propel SUVs,which comprise about 15 per cent of the entire passenger car market in India,to a market share of 25 per cent and above over the next three years. Analysts say the SUV market holds the potential of fast growth in the medium term,with the road network improving and more people going driving across cities.

According to Shashank Srivastava,chief general manager marketing of Maruti Suzuki India,the demand for SUVs have amplified substantially in the last few years.

The sub-categorisation in the SUV category was started by Toyota,which launched its Innova as a MUV,a space where Mahindra amp; Mahindras Xylo is also a contender. Among the new launches on the cards is a shorter version of the Xylo from Mamp;M,Indias top SUV maker by sales. The companys latest XUV500 is already a runaway hit. The vehicle,which was designed and developed by Mamp;Ms Chennai-based research team,has been billed as its global SUV,with launches planned in Australia,South and Central America,Western Europe and the SAARC countries.

Tata Motors is also ready to roll our the Tata Safari Storme. In the due course,Mamp;M plans to launch the Rexton and the Korando C SUVs from its South Korean subsidiary SsangYong.

Meanwhile,Premier Ltd has also re-entered the auto busienss with its compact SUV,the Rio,which is doing brisk business. Its base model is priced at under Rs 5 lakh. Force Motors recently launched its Force One mid-level SUV that deploys a Mercedes engine that is being made under license.

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