Maruti Suzuki has started exporting the Baleno, its premium hatchback, to Europe. The model will be showcased at the Geneva International Motor show, which will be opened to the press on Tuesday and Wednesday and for the general public between March 3 and 13.
The Baleno was the first Indian-made car to be exported to Japan recently. The Japanese company will launch the Baleno in Europe over the next few weeks. It will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i20, the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Jazz in the continent.
The Baleno, which was launched in India in October 2015 and has proved to be very successful, is being manufactured at the Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar near Delhi. It is the full Maruti model to be built entirely in India.
In January, Maruti sold 7,698 units of the Baleno. The car is being sold through Nexa, its premium showrooms. Maruti Suzuki has set up about 100 Nexa outlets and plans to add another 150 new showrooms over the next year.
While the Baleno had outsold its biggest rival, Hyundai’s i20 in December, it was pushed to second spot in the premium hatchback segment by the Korean brand. Other rivals of the Baleno in India include the Fiat Punto Evo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Renault Pulse and Honda Jazz.
Source : BS Motoring