 New
Delhi: Maruti Udyog will begin incorporating new generation
engines confirming to Euro IV and Euro V norms in its
models beginning with the SX4 sedan slated for launch
next month.
The
investment in engines is a part of the Rs9,000-crore outlay
the company has announced. This is in order to align itself
with parent Suzuki Motor Corporation''s strategy of complying
with stricter emission norms. Suzuki is producing Euro
IV and Euro V-compliant engines for Europe.
The
M-series engine on the SX4 sedan will mark the beginning
of the new generation engines in India. At present, the
M-series, called the future of Suzuki engines, is being
imported from Japan and fitted with a few components at
Suzuki Powertrain India''s facility at Manesar near Gurgaon
for the SX4 sedan. The company is in the process of increasing
the localisation levels.
The
company would have four platforms for its cars, of which
three already exist. The Alto, Zen and Wagon R are based
on the first. Swift is based on the second and SX4 would
be on the third platform. The fourth platform would be
any bigger car that the company may launch in the future.
Maruti
is launching its SX 4 sedan targeted at the A4 segment
in the first week of May. It would be equipped with 1.6
litre M-Series petrol engine and priced at around Rs7
lakh
SX4
would be competing with cars such as the Honda City, Ford
Fiesta and Hyundai Verna. It would also mark Maruti''s
strategy to position itself as an aggressive player in
the premium segment. The Esteem will continue to be the
company''s entry-level sedan, with price points close to
the aggressive pricing of Mahindra-Renault''s Logan.
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