The global auto makers of high esteem Toyota, Nissan, Ford and the Indian players Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki are in the tough fray to play the fiddle in the mini multi-purpose vehicle. The move comes in the wake of freshened spirit in the segment. This MPVs are akin to the small vans having large interior space. The car makers are planning to make this vehicle a 7-8 seater at a reasonable pricing which may yield more volumes. The target customers are different people belonging to different economic stature. The auto makers have the option to convert the existing platform for this MPV or to create a whole new platform. Toyota is eyeing on the platform of Etios for this MPV, below the level of Innova.
This apart from the planned focus on a new hatchback and sedan to be developed on this platform. Maruti Suzuki will deliver a mini MPV, Concept RIII, on a new platform to be ready by the end of 2011. Tata has its sleeves on the Venture on the lines of Ace platform to be ready by the middle of 2010. Nissan’s is on Micra and Ford’s is on Fiesta platforms. The industry analysts see the move as a unique because there is no dearth in this segment without or with less competition. The maker which involves in innovation will reap the benefits in high volume, they added. The analysts feel that this segment could envisage high margins and relieve of the dependence on main product ranges. The current models in this MPV are Maruti Suzuki Omni and Eeco at Rs2-3 lakhs. The new entrants are devising their strategy to price this MPV and the industry analysts feel that the MPV could come under Rs5- 6 lakh range. There is a talk that the success run of this MPV much depends on the exact pricing.