According to a PTI report, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has announced a price protection scheme for its entry-level car range, ensuring that customers who book select models by June 14, 2026, will not be affected by the price hike scheduled from this month.
The scheme covers the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR. The automaker had announced in May that it would increase vehicle prices across models by up to Rs 30,000 from June 2026 due to inflationary pressures and a challenging cost environment.
“On the feedback of our channel partners, we have announced a price protection scheme for entry customers. Their (channel partners) plea was simple: the customer who is stepping forward with courage to buy a car should not be pushed back by a price hike. So, we are considering a price protection window for small car buyers. If you book, we give you a cushion,” Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee said.
As reported by PTI, the company said the move is aimed at protecting affordability for customers, particularly first-time car buyers, at a time when vehicle prices are expected to rise. The initiative is also part of a broader effort to support motorisation across the country.
In a separate development, the company has introduced a recurring deposit-backed auto loan product called Suhana Safar to help customers who face difficulties in arranging down payments or servicing monthly EMIs.
The programme, inspired by similar offerings in the jewellery sector, is available for the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR. Under the scheme, customers can deposit monthly amounts equivalent to a car EMI into a recurring deposit account. After three to six months, the accumulated amount can be used as a down payment for a vehicle loan from the same bank.
According to PTI, the company said the programme has generated around 8,000 enquiries and more than 1,700 bookings so far.
*With Agency Inputs
