Suzuki Grand Vitara to Feature ADAS, Expected to Debut in Q1 2024
Kepoen.com-Suzuki
Grand Vitara to Feature ADAS, Expected to Debut in Q1 2024 - In an effort
to enhance sales performance and compete with other manufacturers, Maruti
Suzuki plans to introduce Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
This marks a historic milestone as
it is the first time the company is combining safety and driving assistance
features. The Grand Vitara equipped with the Active Safety System is expected
to be available in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024. 'While companies
like Tata, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, etc., have already started offering ADAS level
2, Maruti Suzuki aims to make this technology a selling point with a broader
retail reach.
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The company has already initiated
discussions with ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology) for
testing at the Manesar track. Upon completion, the company intends to position
the SUV as a highly secure vehicle for the public,' said a source.
The new variant is expected to be
priced Rs 50,000-75,000 (approx. $675-$1,010) higher than the existing model.
The Grand Vitara will undoubtedly feature ADAS level 2, a set of electronic
safety functions designed to enhance driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety
by minimizing the risk of accidents.
The vehicle will be capable of
assuming control of steering correction, acceleration, and braking in certain
situations with the assistance of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It will
also offer autonomous obstacle avoidance and automated parking.
The ADAS-equipped Grand Vitara
will be manufactured by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) as part of the
collaboration between Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and Toyota Motor
Corporation (TMC). The units will be produced at TKM's facility in Karnataka,
where the Hyryder (rebadged Grand Vitara) is also manufactured.
On the other hand, Toyota is also
set to launch the Hyryder with ADAS, although the company has not made an
official announcement yet. This addition of features aims to make their
products more competitive in the Indian market.
The New Grand Vitara will compete
with other vehicles equipped with ADAS, such as the Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate,
Toyota Hyryder, and the Hyundai Creta facelift (scheduled to be launched in
March 2024).
According to another source,
Maruti Suzuki initially planned to launch this model in the third quarter of
2023. However, due to semiconductor shortages and other component challenges
faced by Toyota India's factory, as global suppliers have been unable to meet
the required quantities, the launch was delayed. The company is simplifying the
entire process and has already ordered key electronic components such as radar,
sensors, and cameras for both Hyryder and Grand Vitara.
'Mid-range SUVs like the latest
Kia Seltos now offer superior features compared to Suzuki. Therefore, the Grand
Vitara needs to be upgraded quickly to serve highly aspirational customers in
this segment who prioritize ADAS as a top priority,' said Puneet Gupta,
Director of S&P Global Mobility (India & ASEAN Automotive Sales
Forecast).
According to 6Wresearch, a global
market research and consulting company, the penetration of ADAS in the domestic
passenger vehicle market reached around 3.4 percent last year. It is expected
to increase to 4.2 percent by the end of 2023. The proportion of vehicles
supporting ADAS is predicted to triple to 12.4 percent by 2030."