Maruti Suzuki cites West Asia crisis for partial price pass-through costs to customers
Mumbai, July 25
Maruti Suzuki has said it was compelled to pass on part of the higher costs arising from the West Asia crisis to customers, even as it expects the newly launched Brezza, equipped with new powertrain options, to strengthen its position in the compact SUV segment.
Speaking to ANI after the launch of the new Brezza, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Partho Banerjee said the automaker had delayed price increases for as long as possible despite rising costs.
"There has been cost pressure due to the West Asia crisis, and unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have to pass on part of the cost to our customers," he said.
The new Brezza, launched at a starting price of Rs 7.39 lakh, has been introduced with two updated powertrain options, including an S-CNG Turbo variant and a refined K15 engine. Banerjee said the turbo variant has been positioned primarily for city driving and is aimed at younger buyers, while the CNG variant adopts the company's underbody tank technology.
Expressing confidence in the company's outlook for the segment, Banerjee said, "We were the market leaders, and we will remain the market leaders. It's just a matter of time."
On the electric vehicle business, Banerjee said the company has received encouraging customer response for the e-Vitara, although production remains constrained. He added that Maruti Suzuki is expanding its charging network to support EV adoption and has installed nearly 12,000 chargers across the country for e-Vitara customers.
Banerjee said the company will continue to follow its multi-pathway strategy by offering multiple powertrain technologies across segments, while also increasing its focus on digitisation and artificial intelligence through a dedicated digital vertical. According to him, these technologies will increasingly be reflected in the company's products and operations going forward.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I have the old Brezza and it's a fantastic car for city driving. The new S-CNG Turbo variant sounds interesting - finally Maruti is listening to eco-conscious buyers! But passing on costs during a festive season? Bad timing Maruti 🙄
I'm not buying this crisis excuse. Maruti posted record profits last quarter! They could easily absorb these costs but choose to squeeze customers. Mr. Banerjee talks about being market leaders but leadership should mean fairness too. #Disappointed
At least Maruti is being transparent about the cost pressures. Unlike some other companies who just increase prices without any explanation. The underbody CNG tank technology is a good step - safer than the earlier boot-mounted ones. Hopefully the turbo variant will attract younger buyers like they said.
12,000 chargers for e-Vitara is impressive but still a drop in the ocean for a country of 1.4 billion. They need to focus on affordable EVs, not just premium ones. The multi-pathway strategy sounds good but in 2025, it's time to go all-electric! ⚡
My 2018 Brezza still runs like a dream. Maruti's aftersales service is unmatched - that's why they stay market leaders. But this price hike in the current economic climate feels tone-deaf. Middle-class families are already cutting down on expenses. They should have waited till Diwali.
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