Maruti may launch Ritz by second week of May

The mega Tata Nano launch have flagged off a spate of auto launches. CNBC-TV18 learns that Maruti could be launching its Ritz in the second week of May. Swati Khandelwal reports.

The Ritz has already been showcased in the Auto Expo and this car was expected to launch sometime in the coming fiscal. Sources say that the exact date would be around May 13-14 that is the second week of May. Sources from Maruti, on the other hand, say it will be launched in the next fiscal and do not comment on the date.

Why is Maruti betting big on Ritz?

Ritz will mount a 1.2 litre petrol engine and this one is a new engine from the KB series that Maruti is manufacturing and 1.3 litre diesel engine which is already currently being put in Swift. The price of this car is expected to be around the Rs 4 - 5.5 lakhs range and this car will be positioned above Wagon R and closer to Swift. This is a clear strategy of Maruti to try and strengthen its A3 segment.

One has seen Swift doing very well. In fact this car will also have an advantage. It will have a 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel to get its small car excise benefit. Overall that is the plan for Maruti. However, on Honda there is a Jazz which is expected in mid-June. So car makers are clearly launching and getting busier to launch some premium hatch bags.