Maruti to Start Manufacturing Suzuki Jimny in India from 2020

Suzuki Jimny is facing production limitations as high demand in the UK market has forced them to consider an alternative production hub for the off-roader. Bookings for the Jimny are closed and waiting period has gone up to one year at certain locations. Falling under the lower taxation segment of the Japanese market, Jimny is a superhit product in the home market itself. The Kosai-based facility of Suzuki is the only place where Jimny is manufactured, leading to a blockage of exports and increased waiting period in different markets. The second location is under consideration for the Jimny’s production, outside Japan.

India is an eligible market as Maruti Suzuki has two manufacturing facilities, one in Haryana and other in Gujarat. They have acquired another 400-acre land and plan to invest INR 9000 Crore in Vithalapur, Gujarat. When the facility is ready, they can use the same as the production hub for Jimny for all nearby countries. Also, the end of Gypsy’s production will leave a vacant space that cannot be filled by any other product. Force Motors has moved up with the new Gurkha at INR 12.99 lakh while Mahindra Thar is also preparing an update that will make it cost higher than INR 10 lakh for sure.

The production hub would mean higher chances of local sales and thus, the possibility of bringing the car as Maruti Jimny is closer to 100%. The Nexa dealership network is already struggling with a limited number of products and adding Jimny will make them exclusive with one more reason. Maruti will accept the bookings for Gypsy this month and phase out the car once all deliveries are over. On the other hand, Jimny comes with a powerful front fascia, impressive interior quality and updated drivetrain that supports cleaner emissions in comparison to the Gypsy.