The newly launched Celerio model of Maruti has been registering around 1,000 bookings per day. The model which was launched at the Auto Expo on February 6 has the Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT).
This is the first time that AMT is introduced in this price segment. Celerio is placed better than entry level car and falls short of the premium hatchback segment. Topgear rated the car 7 out of 10
Reviews about the Celerio have been positive adding to Celerio’s credentials of high fuel-efficiency of 23.1 kmpl and low cost price at Rs. 4.29 lakh. The model is expected to clock around 25000-30000 sales per month boosting the auto sector which is going through a low due to economy.
Maruti’s other compact models Ritz,Swift and Estilo together have sold 24,473 cars in January, 2014. Analysts predict that success of AMT could give the Maruti Suzuki a head start of one-two years over competitors.
Maruti is expecting the Celerio to be the leader in the compact segment where the sales have been down over the past 10 months. The economy slowdown and increase in fuel prices have cautioned customers from purchasing a car. The recent cut in the excise duty in this year’s budget on small cars from 12 per cent to 8 per cent is expected to boost auto sales.
