Maruti’s Alto will run safe till the Auto Expo 2012, by the time which Hyundai would roll down its small car to counter Alto [images]. The R&D of the company’s apex body in Korea is drafting the necessary proposal in this regard, said an official from the company. Hyundai feels that the next Auto Expos would be the right avenue to show the small car meant for the exclusive Indian market, he added. The proposed car will come under the category below its own Santro [images] but run on par Alto. Maruti has been reaping a lot from its Alto, the highest selling car in India – 20000 monthly units- at Rs2.28 – Rs2.8 lakhs. Earlier, Hyundai focused its attention to counter Tata Nano and Maruti 800 and announced the proposal of small car at Rs1.60 lakhs. But the increase in the materials and input does not help Hyundai in this connection. The move from Tata to increase the price of Nano for the upcoming lot, after the delivery of bookings, is also to be taken into account. Despite low average contribution by the technical segment, the cost for market research, customer feedback and component development do not facilitate the reduced prices. Though the company’s earlier time span for the launch of compact car was 2011-12, there is no official word from the company yet except the ongoing process.