Maruti launches new Alto-K10
Cashing in on the huge popularity of its entry level car Alto, whose monthly sales average around 20,000, Maruti Suzuki, on Wednesday, launched a new Alto with K-10 one litre (998 cc) petrol engine. It will be sold along with the existing Alto which has a 800 cc petrol engine.
Alto-K10 also comes with improved suspension, new cable-type transmission for gears, superior brake system and more knee-room for rear seat passengers. The ex-showroom Bangalore prices are Rs 3.08 lakh for Alto-K10 Lxi and Rs 3.21 lakh for Alto-K10 Vxi.
On a three-city (Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore) launch press conference held through live teleconference, Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Shinzo Nakanishi, said: The Alto’s package of performance, fuel efficiency and attractive cost of ownership have together made it India’s most popular car. Now Alto-K10 will take this forward.”
Giving reasons why Maruti decided to launch more powerful Alto, Nakanishi said that there are a growing number of first time buyers who seek more power and performance at a reasonable price.
The company claimed that Alto-K10 will offer fuel efficiency of 20 km per litre. The car produces peak power of 68ps@6200rpm and high torque of 90Nm@3500 rpm. In terms of size, Alto-K10 is longer by 125mm (compared to present Alto) to accommodate the bigger K-series engine. The car has a new aggressive front, with differently styled combination of dynamic hood, bold eagle-eye headlamps.
Briefing reporters in Bangalore, Maruti Suzuki Managing Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales) Mayank Pareek said the company has spent about Rs 75 crore and its vendors another Rs 25 crore in developing the new Alto.
On Maruti Suzuki’s royalty payment to its parent Suzuki Motor Corporation, Nakanishi said the royalty payment will continue at the present level of 5.5 per cent of net sales and it will not be raised. In quarter ending June 2010 Maruti paid Rs 423 crore as royalty denting its net profit figure for the quarter significantly.
