Maruti bets on SUVs as small cars slide

MARUTI SUZUKI INDIA is set to expand its SUV portfolio with a second mid-sized model, people familiar with the plan said, as the nation's top carmaker scrambles to counter slowing demand for its bread-and-butter small cars.

- ALISHA SACHDEV

The Indian unit of Japan's Suzuki Motor plans to launch the vehicle on September 3 and hopes it will double its sales in the segment, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing business plans. It will be the first new model to roll out of the company's plant in Kharkhoda in the northern state of Haryana, from where it targets around 10,000 units a month when scaled fully, they said.