Maruti looks to export Ritz to SE Asia, Middle East

With shipment of Ritz to Indonesia starting last month, the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki today said it will now look for opportunities to export the small car to South-East Asia and the Middle East.

The company has sold over 51,000 units of Ritz since its introduction in the domestic market in May, 2009.

"We have sent a big consignment of 500 units (of Ritz) to Indonesia last month... We will explore possibilities in other markets also to export the car," Maruti Suzuki India Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Sivastava told PTI.

Based on feedback from its dealers in Indonesia, the company would take a decision about adding new markets, he said.

"We will consider those countries, where we are already strong. South-East Asia and the Middle East can be very good markets for Ritz," Sivastava said.

The company could consider Morocco, Egypt and Algeria among others for selling the small car.

The car comes in both petrol and diesel versions with a K-series engine, which is Bharat Stage-IV emission norms compliant.

"Ritz has a tall-boy design. In the highly competitive A2 segment, this car represents an ideal combination of a family car," Sivastava said.

The A2 segment of small cars includes WagonR, A-Star, Swift, Estilo, Punto, i20, Jazz, Fabia, Indica and Spark.