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Maruti may rename Every as Varsha

Anand Krishnamoorthy

NEW DELHI, Sept. 14

MARUTI Udyog Ltd may launch its partner Suzuki Motor Corporation's `Every' utility vehicle later this year in a different brand name, company sources said today.

One of the probable names being considered is `Varsha', the sources told Business Line.

Maruti had earlier also followed the practice of branding a Suzuki Motor Corporation vehicle under a different brand name. Suzuki Swift is sold in India as the Esteem and the Suzuki Alto as the Zen.

A company spokesman when contacted said that a ``new name is likely to be finalised shortly''.

Maruti, a joint venture between the Indian Government and Japan's Suzuki Motor, is currently test-driving the vehicle at its Gurgaon factory.

``This product is different from the Every of Suzuki and has been adapted to suit Indian conditions,'' the sources said as the reason for considering a new brand name for the vehicle.

The 7-seater vehicle is likely to be powered by a 1.3-litre multi-point fuel injection type engine, the same engine fitted in the Esteem sedan.

Analysts had earlier said they expected Maruti to price this vehicle between the Zen hatchback and the Esteem sedan.

Maruti is yet to spell out details of the launch plan and the pricing. Some company insiders say the launch could be closer toward mid-November Diwali.