Maruti Suzuki enters utility vehicle segment with Ertiga, XAa

Indian car market leader Maruti Suzuki today unveiled its compact multi purpose vehicle, Ertiga, at the Delhi Auto Expo, marking its entry into the utility vehicle segment.

''Ertiga's compact dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver. Its active and dynamic stance from the outside, and the quality fit and finish and features in the interiors, enhances its appeal among customers,'' the company said in a release.

Ertiga will be offered in both petrol and diesel versions, it added.

Unveiling the MPV at the Delhi Auto Expo, Kenichi Ayukawa, deputy executive general manager, global marketing, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, "Suzuki Motor Corporation has taken the opportunity of the Delhi Auto Show to showcase models that hold our message as a compact car manufacturing expert. This is because the event has been getting more and more prominence and importance in the global automotive industry. India is one of the countries that has been drawing increasing attention from the world.''

Maruti Suzuki also, yesterday, unveiled the XA Alpha, its global compact concept.

"The global premier of the utility vehicle portfolio at the Auto Expo is an iconic event as it is a reflection of the company's preparedness for the future competitive scenario. The Ertiga brings space, style and compactness to utility vehicles for customers in India. As India gears to be amongst the largest global automobile markets by 2020, with the foray into UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will strengthen its leadership position in the industry,'' said Maruti Suzuki managing director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi. ''With Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki will step into the utility vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India," he added.