Zen Prices

Arun Arora Deputy Manager (PR) Maruti Udyog Ltd New Delhi

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This refers to the report Maruti may slash Zen prices (February 11). We would like to categorically state that MUL has no plans to reduce prices of Zen or any other model.

The report is not based on facts. Zen is one of the best cars available in India and is extremely successful in the Indian and European markets. The Zen (Alto) has been rated as the best in its category by various automobile publications in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. In the first 10 months of the current financial year (April 97-January 98), MUL has sold more than 51,000 Zen cars in the domestic market, 60 per cent higher than the corresponding figure last year (31,906 units). MUL has also exported more than 14,000 Zen (Alto) cars in this period to more than 20 countries, mainly in Western Europe.

We would like to emphasise that MUL believes in adding value to all its products which is obvious from the fact that in the last six months, it has introduced three upgraded models, the new Maruti 800 in September 97, the 1998 Esteem in October 97 and the new Omni in February 1998. Many new features were introduced and acceptance of these products among customers is evident from the fact that the market share of MUL today stands at 82.4 per cent up from 79.6 per cent for 1996-97. This would clearly serve to underscore Marutis quality position in the minds of the customers in India and abroad.

Such reports, therefore, tend to create confusion among customers, especially those waiting to take delivery of their vehicles.

We stand by the report Editor