Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading car manufacturer, has reached a significant milestone by selling over 10 lakh cars and SUVs equipped with automatic transmissions in the country. This achievement solidifies Maruti’s position as India’s top automatic transmission car and SUV maker. The company has made remarkable progress in catering to the growing demand for automatic vehicles.
Diverse Automatic Transmission Offerings
Maruti Suzuki’s success in the automatic transmission segment is attributed to its comprehensive range of automatic gearboxes. The company currently offers four different automatic transmission options across 16 models in its lineup. These transmissions cater to a wide spectrum of customer preferences:
1. AMT (Automated Manual Transmission): Accounting for 65 percent of automatic sales, AMT is a popular choice among buyers for its affordability and ease of use. It is available in a range of models, including the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio, Wagon R, Ignis, Swift, Dzire, Baleno, and Fronx.
2. 4-Speed Torque Converter: Used in models such as the Ciaz and Jimny, this gearbox provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
3. 6-Speed Torque Converter: Found in models like the Fronx (turbo-petrol), Ertiga, XL6, Brezza, and Grand Vitara, the 6-speed torque converter offers enhanced performance and efficiency.
4. e-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission): This innovative transmission is employed in the Grand Vitara and Invicto in their strong-hybrid variants, contributing to fuel efficiency and a seamless driving experience.
Distribution through Nexa and Arena Dealerships
Maruti Suzuki’s distribution strategy has played a vital role in promoting automatic vehicles. The company’s premium Nexa dealerships, which retail models like the Grand Vitara, Baleno, and XL6, have contributed significantly to the sales of automatic vehicles, accounting for 58 percent of the total. The remaining 42 percent of automatic sales are attributed to the Arena dealerships, which offer models such as the Alto K10, Wagon R, Swift, Brezza, and more.
Changing Market Trends
The surge in automatic vehicle sales underscores a significant shift in the Indian automotive market. Automatic transmissions are gaining traction due to their convenience and ease of use, particularly in congested urban areas. Maruti Suzuki is witnessing the highest demand for automatic models in regions such as Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
Rapid Growth Anticipated
Maruti Suzuki has set an ambitious target for automatic car sales this fiscal year, aiming to achieve nearly one lakh sales, which would account for 15 percent of its overall sales. This indicates a strong market trend towards automatic transmissions in India. With a comprehensive range of automatic options and a growing demand, Maruti Suzuki is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the automatic transmission segment, aligning with the changing preferences of Indian car buyers.
