Suzuki Shows Compact MPV In Delhi, India Rides The Ertiga
MPV times in India. At the same Delhi show where GM demonstrated a good-sized MPV concept, market leader Suzuki showed what they call “India’s first compact Multi Purpose Vehicle” a.k.a. the ERTIGA.
While our friends at Motorbeam.com where snapping pictures, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki explained that the MPV will strengthen Suzuki’s position in an increasingly crowded market:
“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. With Ertiga the Maruti Suzuki will step into the Utility Vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India.”
That’s what you want when you are a car-maker: A class-defining car. Not just a class-leading car.
In the Indian automobile industry, the MPV is the fastest growing sub-segment amongst UVs showing a growth of around 15 per cent in the last four years.
The 7 passenger (2x3x2) Ertiga can be had with gasoline and diesel engines. An “all new powerful and light weight K-14 VVT petrol engine” delivers 70kw@6000rpm (95 hp).
A 1.3 liter DDiS Super Turbo diesel engine is said to deliver a peak power of 66kw@4000rpm (88 hp) and a top end torque of 200Nm@1750rpm.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Nice vents in the roof, interesting choice and as long as the AC is strong, I'm sure very welcome in India.
I wonder how long before Suzuki gives up entirely on the US market. Too bad they won't step up and confirm that one way or another.