Maruti Suzuki may be market leader in small car segment but it lacks a strong contender in the premium sedan segment. The new Suzuki Kizashi has been one of the most awaited models by Maruti lovers in India. The company has already launched Suzuki Kizashi sedan in Japan and the US and there have been rumours of Suzuki bringing the Kizashi to India by latest by early 2011.
However, as per the latest reports, sources reveal that Maruti is mulling a “made in India” Kizashi sedan by 2012. It initially plans to import the model as a completely unit but later on by late 2011 it intends to import the CKD units to assemble the car in India. This will give Kizashi a competitive edge in the Indian market as it will gain with substantial cut in the 104% import duty.
“Maruti is building up the capability to manufacture the Kizashi as it will require a new level of quality and expertise. It aims to start local manufacturing by the time the expansion of the Manesar plant is complete, giving it adequate capacity,” said the source.
According the Maruti, assembling Kizashi in India will depend on volumes built during the initial period which will enable it to gain confidence to start its assembling unit for Kizashi in India.
