Small BusinessMaruti Suzuki rolls out MPV 'Eeco'
Three variants to have introductory price of Rs 2.58-2.89 lakh.
- FII-TO-FII TRADES: PNB traded at 7% premium - Maruti Suzuki launches MPV Eeco at Rs 2.59 lakh - Global compact cars" India catwalk - Maruti eyes expansion to defend 50% share - Maruti plans to double output by 2015 - Volkswagen mulls sourcing components from India
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest manufacturer of passenger cars, today launched the Eeco, a multipurpose vehicle, at an aggressive price tag of Rs 2.58 lakh (for the non-air-conditioned version), ex-showroom Delhi.
Although this car was meant to replace the ageing Versa (a multi-seater van) it maintains the looks and dimension of the Versa. However, the engine powering the Eeco is lighter and frugal.
The company was able to price the product competitively as it had incurred a development cost of just Rs 60 crore. The Eeco uses the Versa platform and sports a 1.2-litre petrol engine, generating 73 bhp of peak power.
The vehicle comes with an option of 7-seater (Rs 2.71 lakh, non-a/c) or 5-seater (Rs 2.89 lakh, with a/c), with a further option of six colours.
Shinzo Nakanishi, managing director, Maruti Suzuki said: “The Versa gave us a lot of learning. The vehicle did not sell as much as we expected it to sell. We hope that demand for the Eeco will be good, considering the price at which it is offered.”
The Eeco engine adheres to the new emission norms due to kick in from April 1. Although Maruti has named the car on a green theme, the vehicles will not have any other fuel option. A CNG version of it may get introduced in later stages.
The company also showcased an electric version of the Eeco, called ‘Eeco Charge’, at the ongoing Auto Expo. It has been developed fully by its engineers. The car, however, will not go into commercial production.