Scoop: MSIL to drop Maruti moniker from premium offerings

A big thank you to BHPian RavenAvi for sharing this information with other enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, we had reported that Maruti Suzuki will introduce exclusive dealerships for its premium cars, which will be named 'Nixa' (Click here to read report). Now, Team-BHP has learnt that the company's premium cars will not carry the "Maruti" name from the end of June 2015.

This is being done as the Maruti name does not command enough brand value in the premium (Rs. 10 lakh+) segment and could affect the sales of the company's higher priced vehicles. The company hopes that the Suzuki name might have some more pulling power.

The first premium car from the Maruti Suzuki stable to come with the Suzuki-only moniker will be the S-Cross (ACross), scheduled to be launched by June-end. Future premium offerings such as the Vitara SUV and the "Alpha" CUV currently under development, are in line to get the separate Suzuki moniker. Even the Ciaz will eventually drop the Maruti tag.

Maruti-Suzuki dealers will handle the premium customers in the same dealership premises. However, premium customers will be handled by separate salespersons specially trained for the same. The Ciaz is already being handled by different sales executives known as Ciaz consultants.

The Nixa range of dealerships will handle only the premium offerings like Ciaz, the new hatchback, S-Cross and other vehicles.

The Maruti Suzuki tag will be reserved for cars from the Alto 800 to the Swift DZire. Even the upcoming YRA hatchback might sport the Maruti Suzuki tag.