India's largest car manufacturing company, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is expected to launch a new multi-utility vehicle (MUV) by October this year. The new car will be developed on Maruti Versa platform. The new car, codenamed O2, is being developed at Maruti’s plant near Delhi. The introduction of one more vehicle in the current year will strengthen the company’s portfolio. Maruti has recently launched its hatchback car Ritz. Before Ritz, the company has introduced Maruti A-Star.

 

The launch of new MUV will further strengthen company's position in the combined people and luggage carrier segment. As per an estimate of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the segment has expanded to 10,708 in April 2009 from 8,816 in April 2008. When contacted, Maruti Suzuki India said that it is too early to comment on product plans and the details will be revealed at an appropriate time.

 

Maruti Suzuki is one of India's leading automobile manufacturers and market leader in the car segment. Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan holds a majority stake in the company. Over the years, Maruti has offered wide ranges of vehicles including Maruti 800, Omni, Alto, Versa, Gypsy, Wagon R, Zen Estilo, Swift, Swift Dzire, SX4, Grand Vitara. Swift, Swift Dzire, A star and recently launched Ritz.