Maruti to unveil Versa’s replacement in January

New multi-purpose vehicle to cost around Rs 4 lakh

After discontinuing the production of its multi purpose vehicle (MPV) Versa, Maruti Suzuki is

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in advanced stages of developing a new MPV — a possible replacement for the Versa. The new van is meant primarily for the Indian market. The price of the van would be about Rs 4 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki will drive in the van in January in multiple variants aimed at a cross section of consumers in the MPV segment, a person familiar with the development told Financial Chronicle on condition of anonymity.

“The new van will sport a new engine with new transmission, priced aggressively in the market and compatible to Bharat Stage IV emission norms,” he added. A Marutispokesman, however, declined comment on Versa’s replacement.

Versa was introduced in 2001 with Amitabh Bachhan and Abhishek Bachhan as brand ambassadors. The product, however, failed to create much impact in its segment. Maruti has been closely looking at the MPV segment, which comprises mainly of tour operators, school van drivers and small goods transporters.

Sales of the company’s C segment cars Omni and Versa increased 19 per cent at 60,771 units in eight months (until November) of the present financial year.

The MPV segment has shown a growth trajectory. Domestic sales of MPVs in India increased 24 per cent to 79,349 units during April-October, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Apart from Maruti, Tata Motors sells the Ace Magic multi purpose vehicle in the Indian market priced at Rs 2,78,000. Sales of the model, which is also the company’s bestseller, increased 62 per cent at 26,898 units this financial year till October.

PTI adds: The country's largest carmaker said its flagship export model, A-Star, has crossed one lakh-mark of overseas shipments in less than a year of selling the car in the global markets. The company said the milestone was crossed with a batch of shipment leaving the Mundra Port on Wednesday. It said that A-Star's green label has been a success in Europe.

Maruti had launched

A-Star in November last year in India and started exporting it since January this year.

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