Maruti Suzuki’s plan is to launch the 5-door Jimny. The much-awaited SUV launch will take place this year, on June 7. With the Jimny, Maruti Suzuki will get an instant boost in its SUV image. Thus it will help accelerate its penetration in the fastest-growing segment.
The Jimny 5-door is an SUV with proper 4WD gear. The SUV will serve the customers keeping the Indian lifestyle in mind. Maruti has spent close to INR 950 crore in developing the 5-door Jimny and its off-road-ready nature. Thus it also makes it a strong contender for service in the Indian Army and defence forces. To date, they had relied on the iconic Maruti Gypsy for decades.
As the market matures and volumes grow, we will see various sub-segments emerging. Even within the compact SUV segment, we will get to see multiple sub-segments created. So to speak, like the Tata Punch and Renault Kiger, crossover and urban SUVs like the Fronx and Brezza.Then we have the lifestyle SUVs, like the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha. With the launch of the Jimny, Maruti Suzuki is aiming to double the lifestyle SUV market.
Currently, SUVs have become the largest segment in the Indian market accounting for 45 per cent of the passenger vehicle market. As of today, the lifestyle SUV is an emerging segment with about 50,000 units per annum. It is preferred by customers who love to go off-roading and who love to travel across terrains. But there is also a segment of buyers in the urban areas who wish to bring some style into their life. Thus, to them, a vehicle like the Jimny is a style or a status symbol.
Frankly speaking, Jimny may not be a big volume contributor as for the sales figure. However, it will play a massive role in building Maruti’s image of delivering capable SUVs.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny smaller than Brezza, less efficient too