Maruti Suzuki recently announced it had sold more than 500,000 units of Ertiga in the eight years since the car was first launched in India. The milestone is quite significant for a car of its proportions as at a time when Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) have been largely branded as bulky and bungling, the Eritga has emerged quite the Most-Valuable Player (MPV).
First launched in India back in 2012, the Ertiga managed to find many takers courtesy its decent looks, appreciable performance, seven-seat configuration – all rolled into a relatively affordable package. In fact, Maruti managed to sell 418,128 units of the first generation in seven years.
The second generation of the Ertiga appears determined to better even that.
The second generation of the Ertiga found 100,000 homes in just 13 months and has cruised into top-10 selling cars in the country repeatedly. This is largely thanks to refreshed looks of the car which have made it look more contemporary – even adding a dash of sportiness to the visual appeal. In addition, the car now gets even more space, especially in the third row, reverse parking sensors, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. Based on the Maruti’s HEARTECT platform, Ertiga also is the only MPV which is available in all three fuel options – petrol, diesel and factory-fitted CNG.
Maruti says that 28% of Ertiga buyers are returning customers while it has helped the company hike its market share in the MPV segment from 25.3% to 50.3%. “Ertiga created a niche for itself as a 3-row comfortable MPV to become a runaway success. Its success helped us to strengthen market presence in the MPV segment,” said Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India.
With SUVs of all shapes, sizes and at varying price points in the country, it can be quite a challenge for a people-mover to stake a big claim in the automotive sector. For the Ertiga though, it has been an effortless drive towards the top gear.
