Maruti Suzuki , India's leading automobile manufacturer, is poised for significant growth during the upcoming festive season, buoyed by recent tax reforms and increased consumer interest.

GST Reduction Sparks Consumer Interest

The recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) has had a notable impact on the automotive sector, particularly benefiting small car buyers. As a result of this tax adjustment, small car prices have decreased by approximately 8.50%, making these vehicles more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Surge in Customer Inquiries

The price reduction has not gone unnoticed by potential car buyers. Maruti Suzuki reports a substantial 15.00% increase in customer inquiries following the GST reduction. This surge in interest suggests that the tax reform has successfully stimulated consumer demand in the automotive market.

Optimistic Growth Projections

Buoyed by these positive indicators, Maruti Suzuki has set ambitious growth targets for the festive season:

• The company anticipates overall growth in the range of 15.00-20.00% during the festive period.
• Specifically for the small car segment, Maruti Suzuki expects a 10.00% increase in sales.

These projections reflect the company's confidence in the market's response to the recent price adjustments and the traditionally strong consumer sentiment during festive seasons in India.

Implications for the Automotive Sector

The positive outlook from Maruti Suzuki, a bellwether for the Indian automotive industry, could signal a broader revival in the sector. If these projections materialize, it could lead to increased production, potentially benefiting the entire automotive supply chain.

As the festive season approaches, all eyes will be on Maruti Suzuki and the wider automotive market to see if these optimistic forecasts come to fruition. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the GST reduction and festive season demand will provide the anticipated boost to the automotive industry.

Maruti Suzuki , India's leading automobile manufacturer, has announced its ambitious technology strategy for 2025, emphasizing vehicle efficiency, environmental sustainability, and the introduction of flex fuel vehicles. The strategy, unveiled by Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan, outlines key initiatives to address global mobility challenges and reduce environmental impact.

Weight Reduction and Efficiency

A cornerstone of Maruti Suzuki's strategy is the 'S Light' project, which aims to reduce vehicle weight significantly. The company has already achieved an 80 kg weight reduction and is pushing towards its target of 100 kg. This weight reduction is categorized into three areas:

• 50 kg from component light-weighting
• 20 kg from structural evolution
• 30 kg from specification review

The company is applying cutting-edge technologies to balance performance and cost while revisiting vehicle dimensions and shapes to optimize space utilization.

Carbon-Neutral Fuel Technologies and Flex Fuel Vehicles

Maruti Suzuki is making significant strides in carbon-neutral fuel technologies, particularly in the Indian market:

• All motorcycle and automobile models are now compatible with E20 fuel
• Mass production of Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) for motorcycles has begun
• FFV models for automobiles are set to launch within the current fiscal year

The company has announced that it will commence production of flex fuel vehicles this fiscal year as part of Suzuki Motor Corporation's carbon-neutral strategy for India.

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is launching a biogas business that will convert manure from India's 300 million cattle into biogas and organic fertilizer. The biogas will be used directly in CNG vehicles, which represent one-third of Maruti Suzuki's vehicle sales. The company is partnering with Indian dairy cooperatives to construct biogas production plants that will begin operations from 2025. This initiative aims to improve rural community incomes while supporting India's energy and fertilizer self-sufficiency goals.

Electric and Hybrid Technologies

Maruti Suzuki is advancing its electric and hybrid vehicle technologies:

• The company recently unveiled its first battery electric vehicle, the e VITARA, for overseas markets
• Development of the 48V Super Ene-Charge system has completed feasibility studies and entered the next development phase
• Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) development is progressing

SDV right Concept

Maruti Suzuki introduced the 'SDV right' concept, which focuses on delivering high-performance electronics that are 'just right' for customers. This approach aims to provide optimal functionality without excessive features, as demonstrated in the newly announced e VITARA for overseas markets.

Circular Economy and Future Technologies

The company is also focusing on circular economy initiatives, including:

• Reducing plastic use in vehicles
• Promoting recycled plastics
• Developing disassembly-friendly design guidelines

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is exploring carbon-negative technologies, such as systems to capture CO₂ from vehicle exhaust for use in agriculture.

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, emphasized the company's commitment to minimizing energy consumption while maximizing the essential value of mobility. "Through our slogan 'By Your Side,' we will continue to provide products and services that solve social challenges in daily mobility," he stated.

This comprehensive technology strategy underscores Maruti Suzuki's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers in India and global markets.