Maruti Suzuki aims to lead mid-size SUV market, says Partho Banerjee

Maruti Suzuki aims to capture leadership in the mid-size SUV segment with the Victoris, launched in hybrid and CNG variants to tap young customers

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) is aiming to become a leader in the mid-size SUV segment with its new launch, the Victoris, which addresses a “white space” that is still available in the crowded market, Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, marketing & sales, MSIL, said on Monday.

 

The Hyundai Creta topped the mid-size SUV segment with its highest ever annual sales, followed by Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara while the Kia Seltos and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder trailed behind.

 

Maruti plans to sell the Victoris through its Arena dealerships, which also retail the Brezza. The Grand Vitara, Jimny, and Fronx continue to be sold from the company’s Nexa outlets.

   

“There are three segments in SUVs — entry, mid and premium. In the entry segment, we are the market leader. In mid-SUV, we are not the market leader. Our aspiration is to become the market leader in this segment. We do not operate in the premium segment,” Banerjee said at a press conference. SUVs that are less than 4 meters in length are called an "entry-level SUV".

 

Maruti on Monday stated that the Victoris will be sold at a starting price of ₹10.49 lakh (ex-showroom), with sales scheduled to begin on September 22.

 

“We did not enter this segment just because it is growing. We came here because we saw a ‘white space’ in the crowded market. This car is designed for young customers who want a ‘theatre on wheels’, and are focused on the overall experience,” Banerjee said.

 

The Victoris has been launched in strong-hybrid and CNG variants. Banerjee emphasised that unlike many other carmakers, Maruti is not prioritising one variant over the other.

 

“We are India’s largest carmaker, and we will provide all options. We cannot promote one variant at the cost of another like some OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). We will let the customer decide,” he added.