In its 25th year, will the Maruti 800 fade away, to be relaunched in a new avatar? Now that the Rs 1 lakh car is here, alleys are trained on the fate of the 800, which has been India’s most popular sub-compact.
Sources say that Maruti Suzuki India, though playing a wait and watch game, is preparing to launch a refurbishment 800 version. Though changes to the engine are ruled out, the exterior might get a fresh look. And, some additional features might be thrown in at the current price (Rs 1.97 lakh ex-showroom Delhi) to make customers think twice before opting for cheaper competition.
But the key change would be in the way it’s positioned and that’s-going to be decided after Tata’s new car hits the road. Without giving-up on Maruti 800’s flagship status in the entry-level segment, the company, sources said, could also use its second-hand retailing business — Maruti True Value — to compete in the Rs 1 lakh segment.
There may be more discounts and special offers coming from True Value once the 1-lakh segment opens up, ” said a source. Will Tata `Nano’ over take Maruti’s 800? The question is doing its-rounds ever since Ratan Tata announced his dream project to develop aRs 1 lakh car. Many have responded to the question in terms of Maruti’s proven track record and the higher degree of comforts anticipated in-the wonder car-Nano. The debate continues and the choice is now left with the users to make a final verdict on Nano. But will the Nano beadle to beat the pride of the Indian middle class that rejected many products that tried to bet big on the price tag?
It is true that Tata Nano has made it big until now and people are eagerly waiting topee the car on the roads. But will the majority of Indian middle class prefer to have a Nano, which is being positioned as a cheap and best car? Only time can answer the question. Remember what happened to a `…Tough’ jeans brand that tried to woo the youth with its juicy price.Despite heavy advertisement and the `worth for price’ quality denim and Bollywood action hero as the brand ambassador, the Rs 299 jeans-failed to make inroads in the market. Not because it was low in quality, but because of the over publicized price range..