MARUTI THE KING: In 2003, Maruti launched a spruced-up version of WagonR, followed by a new-look Zen in November. Maruti has also entered the sports-utility-vehicle segment in April by unveiling Grand Vitara XL-7. It also rolled out an upgraded version of the vehicle in December, with a price tag of around Rs 17 lakh (Rs 1.70 million).

The company has also seen a surge in demand for Alto in the B segment, which includes Zen and Wagon R. In the B segment, Maruti aims to grab a 50 per cent market share in fiscal '03-04 from 42 per cent last fiscal.

Recently, Maruti's managing director Jagdish Khattar said that the company was working on an altogether new car in the mass volume category.

In the 800 cc segment, Maruti may well have to face challenge from Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Toyota Kirloskar has plans to launch a small car in the 800 cc - 1,600 cc range in another three years.

Toyota's associate firm Daihatsu has many small cars in the 800 cc - 1,600 cc range, The company is likely to introduce Daihatsu's cars in India.

Maruti Udyog is planning to launch an upgraded version of Grand Vitara XL-7.

Photograph: Maruti Udyog website