Maruti Suzuki plans to retire the Ciaz sedan by April 2025 due to declining sales and a market preference for SUVs. Despite the company denying it officially, industry sources have confirmed the news. Production of the Ciaz will cease by March 2025, with sales ending the following month.
The sedan market in India saw a sharp drop from 20% in 2015 to under 10% by 2024, mainly due to the rise in SUV demand, now accounting for over half of sales. Brands like Honda, Hyundai, and Maruti Suzuki have also seen significant declines in the mid-size sedan segment.
Maruti Suzuki’s mid-size sedan market share has dropped significantly from 2017-18’s 35-40% to just 11%. The Ciaz debuted in 2014 as a successor to the SX4 and fared well against competitors like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. However, recent sales figures show a decline, with only 659, 597, and 464 units sold in October, November, and December respectively.
Maruti Suzuki’s sudden 2020 exit from the diesel segment, following the introduction of a 1.5-liter DDiS engine for the Ciaz, marked a pivotal moment. The engine was dropped due to failing BS6 standards, removing the diesel option that comprised 30% of sales. Lack of updates and a shift to naturally aspirated engines further impacted market performance.
Maruti Suzuki is increasing focus on SUV models like the Jimny, Grand Vitara, and Fronx. SUVs dominate Nexa showrooms as the Ciaz receives less attention. Exiting the mid-size sedan market by discontinuing the Ciaz aligns with the trend favoring SUVs over sedans in the industry.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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