New Maruti dealerships for premium models coming with different 'Touch & Feel' - Report

The forthcoming S-Cross and YRA could be retailed through these outlets.

According to reports today, India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, will soon open dedicated sales outlets for premium models. Newspaper reports cite that cars priced INR 10 lakhs and more will be sold through these dealerships, which are expected to come up in a year.

Initially, Maruti is looking to have 30-35 such dealers in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. These dealerships will have a different 'Touch & Feel', and will be aimed at luring buyers who otherwise opt for Honda, Hyundai or VW which have had better success than Maruti in selling premium models.

In the past, premium cars like the Kizashi and Grand Vitara have been sales flops for Maruti. While the car maker doesn't plan on entering these segments again, it does plan on launching products priced in the region of INR 10 lakhs.

The upcoming SX4 S-Cross for example will see Maruti rivaling cars like the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano, which are priced until INR 12 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi.

In the second half of this year, Maruti has lined up the launch of the 'YRA' premium hatchback, which on price, will compete with top-end variants of the VW Polo and Hyundai Elite i20. Maruti is also working on a premium MPV, codenamed RX, expected in 2-3 years, while the Suzuki Vitara is not out of contention for India.

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These cars, and the Ciaz, could be sold through these new dealerships. Existing dealer partners would be roped to setup the premium car outlets, another reports state.