India-made Suzuki Baleno Enters South Africa Market

India-made Suzuki Baleno launched in three variants in South Africa market.

India: Suzuki Baleno becomes the second India-made hatchback to enter South African market. The car has been launched in three variants, i.e. GL, GLX MT and GLX AT to compete with Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and VW Polo. The car features including HID projector elements and LED daytime running lights, chrome-finished door handles, turn indicators over the exterior mirror housings, privacy glass and roof-end spoiler along with 6.2-inch TFT colour screen, fully automatic AC, rear park distance control and six airbags.

Charl Grobler, manager of sales and product planning of Suzuki Auto South Africa says the Baleno is “ideal for individuals and families seeking the extra comfort and convenience of larger hatchback, but don’t want to give up the agility and efficiency of the Swift.”

Additionally, the car is equipped with number of safety features such as ABS braking system with EBD and EBA along with rear disc brakes. Under the hood, the car features 1.4-liter K14B engine which produces 68kW of maximum power at 6000 rpm along the peak torque of 130Nm at 4200 rpm. The customers are given the option to choose from five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmissions which gives a mileage of 5.1L/100km and 5.4L/100 km, respectively.

As per TechSci Research, with the increasing demand for Suzuki Baleno in the international market, mainly in European region, would impel the company to increase the production of the car in India. Consequent to which, the sale of tires in OEM market of India would rise, eventually, influencing the overall India tire market

According to a recent report published by TechSci Research, “India Tire Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2021”, with over 60 tire manufacturing plants spread across the country in 2015, India ranks among one of the largest tire markets in the world. Growing automobile sales coupled with expanding automobile fleet are the major factors boosting demand for tires in the country. Moreover, with favorable inflationary scenario, expanding middle class population and increasing national disposable income, tire sales across all the automobile segments are expected to grow in the coming years.