Maruti looking to tap SUV segment by launching 2 new products in 2016

India's largest car maker Maruti has never really tasted phenomenal success with its Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Neither the Grand Vitara nor the Gypsy have been able to set the sales chart on fire. In order to capitalise on the SUV segment, Maruti plans to launch two new products by 2016, which includes the highly anticipated XA Alpha.

Seen at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, the XA Alpha Concept is a futuristic compact SUV, expected to be launched sometime this year. The Maruti SX4 S-Cross is a crossover SUV, which should be launched before the XA Alpha. Testing of the S-Cross has already started in the country and at present, it is on offer in global markets. In its segment, this vehicle will compete against the likes of Volkswagen Cross Polo, Toyota Etios Cross and the Fiat Avventura. XA Alpha, in turn, will primarily rival the hugely successful Ford EcoSport.

At the recent Tata Zest launch, it was revealed that Tata Motors also plans to bring in a new compact SUV called Nexon. In addition, Maruti will also be closely monitoring Renault Duster AWD to understand the demand for a 4?4 SUV.