Maruti Suzuki, India’s longstanding champion carmaker, witnessed a mixed bag of results in May 2024 sales. While the company continues to dominate the overall market, three of its models – the Jimny, Ciaz, and Invicto – found themselves at the bottom of the sales chart.
Industry experts point towards a couple of factors contributing to these sluggish numbers. The Jimny, a boxy off-roader with a cult following, seems to be facing heat from its competitor, the Mahindra Thar. The Ciaz, a sedan offering, might be struggling to keep pace with the ever-growing SUV craze in the Indian market. The Invicto, a premium MPV, seems to be finding fewer takers, possibly due to its niche positioning.
Make | Model | Year-on-Year Comparison | Month-on-Month Comparison | ||
May ’24 | May ’23 | May ’24 | Apr ’24 | ||
Maruti Suzuki | Jimny | 274 | 0 | 274 | 257 |
Ciaz | 730 | 992 | 730 | 867 | |
Invicto | 193 | 0 | 193 | 193 |
Analysts suggest that Maruti Suzuki might need to re-evaluate its strategy for these underperforming models. The Jimny, with its niche appeal, might benefit from targeted marketing campaigns highlighting its off-road prowess. The Ciaz could be refreshed with a more contemporary design or a possible hybrid variant to attract eco-conscious buyers. The Invicto’s positioning might need a closer look to ensure it caters to a specific buyer segment effectively.
Maruti Suzuki, known for its ability to adapt to market trends, is likely to take corrective measures to address the sluggish sales of the Jimny, Ciaz, and Invicto. How the company tackles these challenges will be something to watch in the coming months.