Wednesday, March 2 2005 15:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Geneva: Suzuki Motor Corp, a majority partner in auto leader Maruti, today (Mar 2, 2005) said it will introduce a new "crossover" model in India which it was developing in partnership with Italy's Fiat Auto.

"The development of the car is on, in partnership with Fiat. We expect the car, which would be a crossover between a small car and a SUV to be introduced (in India and Europe) by next year," Suzuki Motor Co board member Hirotaka Ono told reporters on the sidelines of 75th Geneva Motor Show.

He said the car would carry a diesel engine which could be between 1.5-2 litre capacity. "I cannot specify the exact specifications right now," he added.

Late last month, Suzuki, having 54 per cent equity in MUL, had said it would develop two new global models by 2007 to stave off competition in India, where it was increasingly facing competition from Korean and Japanese carmakers.

Suzuki is already ready to launch the 'Swift' model in India. The premium hatchback will be taking on Hyundai Motor India's 'Getz' model.

Ono said India was important for Suzuki's overall plans and thus the need for new models.

Currently, Maruti occupies the leadership in Indian passenger car market with about 50 per cent market share. In September last year, Maruti and Suzuki announced a whopping Rs 6,000 crore investment for India, including for a diesel engine plant which would cater to the domestic and international markets.