Maruti bets big on new Baleno with over Rs 1,000-cr investment

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has a lot riding on its latest offering for the global market the all new Baleno which was launched today

Updated At : 06:21 AM Oct 27, 2015 IST

Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki Kenichi Ayukawa poses with the new Baleno at its launch in New Delhi on Monday. It is priced at Rs 4.99 lakh onwards. PTI

RS Kalsi

Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India

talks to Girja Shankar Kaura

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has a lot riding on its latest offering for the global market, the all new Baleno, which was launched today. With over Rs 1,000 crore having been spent on the development of the new vehicle, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and MSIL have come out with a vehicle which could actually make it the leader in the premium hatchback segment. MSIL executive director (Marketing and Sales), RS Kalsi, talks about the new offering.

Q. Why the name Baleno? What are your expectations from this all new vehicle from MSIL’s stable?

A. Baleno, which means ‘flash of light’ in Italian, will be the second launch in the premium arena by Maruti Suzuki within two months. Along with S-Cross, Baleno will fortify Maruti Suzuki’s move to offer world-class premium products, through the NEXA experience. We are looking for leadership position in the segment in a gradual manner. We are optimistic about this model to achieve top slot as it is packed with features.

Q. Where will Baleno be manufactured? Will it be exported too?

A. Baleno will not only be manufactured for global market in India, but it has also made its debut with India. The car will be exported to almost 100 countries globally. To start with, it will be exported to Europe.

Q. What is the export target which you have in mind for the vehicle annually?

A. MSIL is looking at exporting almost 50,000 vehicles annually to all global markets with even SMC’s home country Japan also seeing an import of almost 5,000 vehicles annually from India.

Q. Tell us about the design philosophy of Liquid Flow.

A. The ‘Liquid Flow’ design theme — suggestive of an energetic mass of liquid in motion — permeates throughout, articulated by curving lines and expressive surfaces. A low and wide silhouette helps to underline a strong and bold look. The design flow through exteriors and interiors creates a character that symbolises a coherence of liquid form.

Q. Explain the relevance of new generation platform?

A. Baleno is built on SMC’s new generation platform. The new platform was developed by radically reviewing the basic structure of the underbody to achieve lighter weight and enhance fundamental vehicle performance. With this new generation platform, the vehicle has become stronger by over 10% and lighter by approx. 100 kgs. This results in better strength, rigidity, crash performance and NVH.

Q. What is the investment by Maruti Suzuki in Baleno?

A. The investment in Baleno is almost Rs 1,060 crore.

Q. Is Baleno the first car to get Apple Car Play in India? How does Apply Car Play work?

A. Maruti Suzuki’s flagship SmartPlay Infotainment system with a 7-inch touch-screen display which hosts the state-of-the-art intuitive Apple Car Play system will be another industry first on the Baleno. This is the first time an auto maker in India is offering Apple Car Play in its products. Apple Car Play is a smarter and safer way to use your smartphone in the car. It is an interface that allows the driver to use his iPhone through the car’s in-built display and voice control system. Apple Car Play features Siri voice control and is specially designed for various driving scenarios.

Q. What are the key features of Baleno?

A. It offers numerous first-in-class features which include Apple CarPlay system, Multi information Speedometer Display (Color TFT) and UV Cut Glasses. All these features are category firsts and aim to make Baleno the leader among premium hatchbacks.

It is packaged to deliver a plush experience aided with a host of special features like LED daytime running lamps, voice recognition, touch screen smart play system with navigation and dual airbags.

Q. Tell us about the safety features of new Baleno.

A. Baleno hosts an abundance of advanced safety features. Built on Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), it offers an optimum package of safety and stability. Crumple zones absorb energy in the event of an impact, while the body frame disperses the impact energy away from the cabin.