Concerned with the deficient monsoon prediction, largest car maker of the country Maruti Suzuki India said on Wednesday that the sales in some parts of the country could be affected, especially in rural market.
“Yes, the deficient monsoon prediction is a cause of worry. Sales could be affected in some parts, especially in the rural market,” Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and Chief Executive Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters at the launch of its diesel variant of hatchback Celerio.
The company's rural sales had increased by 23 per cent to 4,15,380 units in last fiscal year, when it posted a total of 12,92,415 units -- the highest ever total sales in a financial year.
Ayukawa, however, said Maruti Suzuki would try to overcome the impact of the deficient monsoon with new product launches and other market activation activities.
On Tuesday, the Met Department had revised monsoon forecast from 93 per cent to 88 per cent for this year, with north-west region of the country expected to be hit the most.
In April, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast that monsoon rains would be 93 per cent of the average, which is categorised as 'below normal'. Now, with the revised projection of 88 per cent, the monsoon is categorised as 'deficient'.
Meanwhile, the company on Wednesday launched a diesel variant of hatchback Celerio, powered by parent Suzuki's first diesel engine, priced between Rs4.65 lakh and Rs5.71 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Celerio diesel powered by an 793cc engine offers a fuel economy of 27.62 kmpl and the model also marks the global launch of the DDiS 125, first diesel engine designed and developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation. “It is designed to offer a smooth drive and strengthens Celerio's reputation as a car that offers easy drive in cities as well as highways,” Ayukawa said. The company has a total capacity of around 5000 units for this year and it is expecting to be doubled in next year.
“We have a total capacity of 5000 units in all versions and expect around 10,000 units in next year. We are just waiting for the market's response of these versions,” said CV Raman, Executive Director (Engineering).
The petrol-powered manual transmission variants of the Celerio are priced between Rs 3.90 lakh and Rs4.96 lakh, while the auto-gear shift variants of the compact car are priced between Rs4.4 lakh and Rs5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).