Date:21/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072102362100.htm

New WagonR launched in eastern India

Our Bureau

Kolkata , July 20

Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) on Thursday launched the new WagonR and the WagonR Duo in Eastern India. The WagonR Duo can run on both petrol and LPG. The running cost of the WagonR Duo LPG version is stated to be 33 per cent less than a petrol vehicle in the same category.

Speaking at a news conference held here, Mr S. Oishi, MUL's Director (Marketing & Sales), said the WagonR Duo LPG version was positioned for the alternative fuels segment. He ruled out plans to phase out the Maruti 800, which was among the highest selling vehicles in its category. As of now, Alto is MUL's highest selling brand.

Manufacturing Facility

According to Mr Oishi, MUL has firmed up plans to introduce a new car in the mid-sized car segment this year. Its prototype was being readied, he said, and refused to comment if it would replace the Zen.

He said MUL was setting up its second manufacturing facility in Manesar, 20 km from its existing plant in Gurgaon. The setting up of the proposed second plant would entail a capital expenditure of Rs 6,200 crore. It would have a capacity to manufacture one-lakh vehicles to begin with, he said.