Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched a price protection scheme for its small car range ensuring prices remain stable for bookings made until June 14, 2026. According to PTI, the move comes after the automaker announced in May that it would raise prices across its model range by up to ₹30,000 starting June 2026. As reported by PTI, Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer of marketing and sales, explained that the scheme addresses channel partner feedback: "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." The scheme covers the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio, and Wagon R models, which are also included in the company's RD-backed auto loan scheme.
The Suhana Safar RD-backed auto loan scheme continues to show strong market response since its launch. According to PTI, the company has received around 8,000 enquiries which have translated into more than 1,700 bookings for the scheme. Under the programme, customers first open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a fixed amount every month for three to six months. The monthly deposit is set at roughly 80 per cent of the expected EMI on the car loan, with customers depositing around ₹8,000 every month for the savings period. The accumulated money, along with interest earned, serves as the down payment when the customer decides to purchase the vehicle.
The price protection scheme is specifically designed to maintain affordability for customers, particularly first-time buyers, as vehicle prices are expected to rise amid inflationary pressures. As noted by PTI, the scheme aims to help maintain affordability for customers, particularly as vehicle prices are expected to rise amid inflationary pressures and an adverse cost environment. To encourage customers to complete purchases after RD matures, MSIL dealers will reimburse the final month's RD instalment once the vehicle is bought, as noted by Partho Banerjee. The arrangement also benefits lenders by tracking customer repayment behaviour over several months before loan disbursal.
According to PTI, MSIL sold 194,555 units of small cars during the April-May period this year, recording 42.03 per cent year-on-year growth. The small car models included in both schemes are Alto, S-Presso, Baleno, Celerio, Ciaz, Dzire, Ignis, Swift and Wagon R. India's largest carmaker is closely monitoring the response and may expand the initiatives through additional financing partners in the future.
