MAM
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara continues to “Rule Every Road”
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is delighted to announce Grand Vitara’s new benchmark in the SUV space, crossing the 2-lakh sales milestone in just 23 months. This remarkable achievement makes it the fastest mid-size SUV to reach this milestone in a record time and underscores Grand Vitara’s immense popularity.
Embodying NEXA’s ‘Create. Inspire.’ philosophy, the Grand Vitara is a multi-product offering that has made its mark in the country’s SUV segment. Launched in 2022, it has pioneered a new era of SUVs, combining fuel-efficient powertrains with segment-leading features, a strong road presence, and sophisticated interiors.
Celebrating this record-breaking milestone, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd senior executive officer, marketing & sales Partho Banerjee said, “The introduction of the Grand Vitara has been pivotal for us in the SUV segment. This dynamic vehicle has truly demonstrated its excellence by becoming India’s fastest mid-SUV to surpass 2 lakh sales in just 23 months. The Grand Vitara has revolutionised its segment by inspiring customers to make sustainable choices with the Strong Hybrid. The ALLGRIP technology has also resonated well with SUV lovers, furthering our endeavour to promote clean mobility solutions along with an adventurous driving experience. This indeed underscores Grand Vitara’s philosophy of ruling every road.”
He added, “With a market share of 12 per cent in Q1 FY24, the Grand Vitara has not only established our credentials in the hyperactive mid-SUV segment but has also played a crucial role in growing the segment. We are deeply grateful to our community of over 2 lakh customers and are confident this SUV will continue to bring the joy of mobility to many more.”
Maruti Suzuki has taken a leading role in embracing green fuel and hybrid technology, marking a significant stride towards sustainable automotive solutions. The Grand Vitara exemplifies this commitment with its innovative powertrain options, including the Strong Hybrid and the S-CNG technology. These technologies not only offer high fuel efficiency but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, further emphasizing Maruti Suzuki’s dedication to clean mobility. These advancements are crucial as India moves towards cleaner, more sustainable automobile solutions.
To highlight the capabilities of its Strong Hybrid Technology, Maruti Suzuki launched an impactful and compelling campaign – “IT’S UNBELIEVABLE. IT’S STRONG HYBRID” in Q1 FY24. The campaign stems from a simple yet powerful thought – Maruti Suzuki’s Strong Hybrid Technology has extraordinary real-world benefits that are very relevant for today’s ever-evolving customers. A standout feature of the campaign was a remarkable journey of over 1200 km that one can fulfil in a full tank*, that too with lower emissions, demonstrating the efficiency and performance of the Grand Vitara’s Strong Hybrid Technology. The campaign also demonstrated how Maruti Suzuki’s Strong Hybrid technology combines dual power sources – an Internal Combustion Engine and an Electric Motors, that is powered by Lithium-ion battery. With the ability to be 60 per cent on EV mode, the technology delivers an eco-friendly and remarkably silent drive experience.
Engineered to dominate every road, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has strongly resonated with its customers on account of its exciting performance, distinctive style, commanding presence, and multiple powertrain options. The legendary Suzuki ALLGRIP SELECT technology further encourages customers to wander off the beaten path and explore remote destinations with confidence and ease. The Grand Vitara also boasts a host of premium features such as a 22.86cm (9”) Smart Play Pro+ entertainment system, Head Up Display, 360 View Camera, Wireless Charging Dock, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Clarion® Premium Sound System, PM 2.5 Air Cabin Filter and more, making this mid-size SUV the ideal choice for discerning customers. And its latest benchmark of 2 Lakh unit sales is a strong testament to the same.
Elevating the safety bar, the Grand Vitara is equipped with an array of active and passive safety features, including a Type Pressure Monitoring System and the newly introduced Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in its Strong Hybrid variant, and is the only premium CNG SUV to offer a 6-airbag variant for customers.
MAM
BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
