Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has decided to make a foray into light commercial vehicles.
It is expected to launch its first LCV model within two years. “It was planned in our original agreement (with SMC) in 1982 that the Carry LCV would be launched in India. But, at that time, due to poor response from the market, it was shelved,” Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Chairman R. C. Bhargava told reporters here.
The situation had changed now, he said. And, the board had given the go-ahead for the launch of LCV in India, he added.
“In the last two years, we have seen a demand for such LCVs growing in India. We think we can offer a superior product in the segment as Suzuki has been doing for years globally,” Mr. Bhargava said. When launched, the vehicle will be in the same segment as Tata Motor’s Ace.
It will be developed on the platform of parent Suzuki Motor Corp.’s (SMC) Carry, an LCV that is sold in markets such as China, Indonesia and Pakistan.
Mr. Bhargava said MSI had not decided on the name of the LCV, which would be available in CNG and diesel variants. “Our engineers are working on adapting the diesel engine that we have licensed from Fiat to be used in the LCV. This will be a pure goods carrier,” he said. Mr. Bhargava said the plan to enter the LCV segment was part of the company’s efforts to diversify its portfolio and de-risk the business.