Both bookings and enquiries remained strong for the market leader in the recently concluded festive season, he said. The company currently has pending orders of more than 250,000 units. It is working closely with supply-chain partners to ease supply constraints and accelerate deliveries.
“In September, we lost about 60% of our production. In October we recovered, but lost 40%. Even in November, we are losing 15% or something. Situation has begun improving but still challenging. Globally, all industries are facing difficulties,” Ayukawa said on the sidelines of the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s all-new Celerio hatchback, priced at ₹4.99-6.94 lakh (ex-showroom). He said the company is working on introducing a product in the fast-growing sport utility vehicle segment shortly. But it will continue to focus on hatchbacks which account for 46% of all passenger vehicles sold in the local market.
“There is a trend pushing SUV sales but then we also have demand other than that. We have to provide options for them also. We are offering fuel efficient, sporty cars. I think such models are very, very important for customers”, he said.
