Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Maruti to relaunch SUV Grand Vitara

Falling to make an impact in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) market, Maruti Suzuki is planning to re-launch its high-end Grand Vitara SUV with a more powerful 2400 cc engine

Likely to be priced higher than the existing Rs 14-lakh model, the new Grand Vitara, called GV 2.4 in India, will be pitted against General Motors’ Captiva, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero and Outlander, as well as the yet-to-be launched Skoda Yeti and Toyota’s Fortuner.

While the company spokesman refused to comment on the launch, a person familiar with developments at Maruti said the new SUV will be launched next month.

Sales of the third-generation 5-seater Grand Vitara fell to 270 vehicles in FY09 against 795 units in the previous year. More than 25,000 SUVs priced over Rs 10 lakh are sold in India every year.

Besides a bigger engine, the new Grand Vitara will carry minor changes in body design and interiors.

Maruti was once a major player in the domestic SUV segment with its Gypsy catering to the entry-level off-roader marke.

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