Maruti Suzuki 's latest offering in the MPV segment, the Invicto, has achieved a significant milestone in vehicle safety. The model has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), underscoring the automaker's commitment to passenger safety.

Impressive Safety Scores

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto demonstrated exceptional performance in the BNCAP tests:

The MPV excelled in specific test categories:

Comprehensive Safety Features

The Invicto comes equipped with an array of standard safety features, including:

• Six airbags
• Suzuki Connect with eCall functionality
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hill hold assist
• 3-point ELR seat belts
• Isofix child seat anchorage
• 360-degree view camera

Management's Perspective

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized the company's focus on safety, stating, "Safety has always been central to our product philosophy." Takeuchi also commended BNCAP for establishing high-quality testing protocols in India, aligning with the company's commitment to vehicle safety standards.

The 5-star BNCAP rating for the Maruti Suzuki Invicto not only highlights the vehicle's robust safety features but also reinforces the automaker's dedication to producing vehicles that meet stringent safety standards. This achievement is likely to bolster consumer confidence in the Invicto and potentially influence the broader MPV market in India.

Maruti Suzuki , India's leading automobile manufacturer, has reported a significant boost in sales momentum following the recent GST rate cuts, coinciding with the start of Navratri festivities. The company experienced an unprecedented surge in customer interest and sales on the first day after the tax reduction.

Record-Breaking Enquiries and Deliveries

Maruti Suzuki recorded an impressive 80,000 enquiries and successfully completed 30,000 deliveries on the first day following the GST rate cuts. This surge in interest was particularly noticeable in the small car segment, where bookings jumped by nearly 50%.

Sustained Booking Momentum

The company's strong performance wasn't limited to a single day. Since September 15, Maruti Suzuki has received approximately 75,000 bookings, averaging 15,000 daily bookings. This figure represents a 50% increase compared to the company's usual booking levels, indicating a substantial uptick in consumer demand.

GST Rate Cuts Stimulate Market

The surge in sales can be attributed to the recent decision by the GST Council to reduce tax rates on small cars from 28% to 18%. The council also decreased rates on higher-end vehicles by removing the cess. In response to these tax cuts, Maruti Suzuki has reduced its vehicle prices by up to Rs 1.29 lakh, making their products more attractive to potential buyers.

Industry-Wide Impact

The positive effects of the GST rate cuts were not limited to Maruti Suzuki. Hyundai, another major player in the Indian automobile market, also reported significant gains. The company achieved its highest single-day dealer billings in five years, with 11,000 billings recorded. Hyundai has also reduced its prices by up to Rs 2.4 lakh, further stimulating consumer interest.

Revival of Entry-Level Car Segment

This sudden surge in demand has raised hopes for a revival in the entry-level car segment, which has faced several challenging quarters in recent times. Both Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are optimistic about continued strong demand throughout the festive season.

Looking Ahead

As the festive season progresses, industry observers will be keenly watching to see if this initial surge translates into sustained growth for the automobile sector. The combination of tax cuts, price reductions, and festive sentiment could potentially drive a significant recovery in the Indian auto market, particularly in the small car segment where Maruti Suzuki has traditionally been a strong player.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this sales momentum can be maintained and if it will lead to a broader revival in the automotive industry.