Maruti names its MPV Versa

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, SEPT. 15. Public sector, Maruti Udyog (MUL), has decided to name the soon-to-be launched multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Versa. The name Versa, sources say, indicates versatility and agility. Not surprisingly, MUL is seeking to position the proposed MPV to fulfil these two core functions.It is a short and easy-to-pronounce name. Sources have expressed optimism that the name will go down well with prospective customers. Maruti is toying with the idea of hitting the roads with Versa brand of MPVs by October-end. Indications are that it will be priced in the region of around Rs. 6 lakhs.

The petrol-driven 1300 cc Versa vehicle will be positioned to price-wise compete with Ford Ikon, Hyundai Accent and the like. Category-wise, however, Versa will offer the Indian automobile market, for the first time, a fresh choice.

Versa will have an indigenous content of over 70 per cent. MUL would have invested around Rs. 300-350 crores to get Versa off the assembly line at its Gurgaon facility. It is learnt that MUL has already commenced trial production of the vehicle in small numbers. It has also put in place an independent brand manger for Versa and is in the process of beefing up the sales team.

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Section  : Business
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