Maruti’s eighth hatchback, slated for the Auto Expo in January 2010, is getting final touches. The new small car will roll on for a display for the feedback from the customers said its MD. The car, developed in the existing platform, is likely to consolidate its platforms- from 8 to three , Wagon R, Alto and Estilo, in the coming years. In addition there are two small car projects- YR9 and YE3, under perusal by the company.
YR9 may be the next generation Wagon R to be ready by next year while YE3 will be a new model in place of the outgoing M800(due to the emission norms). M800, on the roads since 1982, will be withdrawn in 11 cities from April in compliance with the Bharat II norms. Though the upgrading of M800 is possible, it will be too expensive and time consuming, said the engineers in Maruti. Both YR9 and YE3 will be fitted with new mileage prone KB series engine.
The 8th hatchback will add Maruti’s stint in retaining 50% share in the market. Hyundai has got only three versons along with i20. Maruti will gradually withdraw some of its cars from its platforms and such cars will be those who do not comply with the emission norms. New models will be replacement for them with fresh design and performance. With Wagon R, Estilo, Alto, Swift, Dzire, A-Star, Ritz, SX4 , M800, Omni and Gypsy, Maruti consolidated its net sale of 429291 small cars during April- November against 356320 units last year (an increase by 20.5%). Maruti has a chunk of 65% small cars in its category.