Maruti Suzuki Nexa Jimny Expected Launch Timeline - With Logic | V3Cars

Note: In some previous stories, we had incorrectly mentioned that the Jimny could launch in June 2023. We’ve revised our estimation based on the latest details we received on Day 2 of the Auto Expo 2023 and the detailed competition assessment.

You must have noticed that Mahindra recently launched the Thar 1.5L diesel 2WD at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This is a direct assault on the Jimny before it even goes on sale. Some buyers might argue that the Jimny and Thar 1.5L don’t compete directly because the Thar has 2 fewer doors. To counter that, Thar is bringing the 5-door layout, which Mahindra will reveal on January 26, 2023. Bookings for the same might open on the same day or soon after while deliveries might start in a month or two.

#1 Fronx Bookings Open

Since the bookings for the Fronx are open, all Baleno, Fronx and Grand Vitara buyers will have an opportunity to see the Jimny in person at the Nexa dealerships. This will create brand awareness for the Jimny even among people who are not its potential customers.

#2 Fronx Media Drive And Reviews

Just as the hype for the Fronx starts to dip, we’re expecting Maruti Suzuki to execute the media drives for the Fronx. This could happen around the end of January. Once the reviews start pouring in, this will once again bring interest among Fronx buyers who were waiting for the reviews before making a decision. This hype around the Fronx will bring more footfall at the Nexa dealerships, which will inevitably lead to more brand awareness for the Jimny.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUV Expected Price Calculation - With Logic

#3 Jimny Media Drive And Reviews

As this traffic starts to dip, we can expect Maruti Suzuki to initiate the media drives for the Jimny. A few days after that, the reviews for the Jimny will flood the internet. Unlike the Fronx, which indirectly hypes up the Jimny, this activity will directly help create interest among potential Jimny buyers. We expect this to happen in February.

#4 Fronx Launch/Price Reveal

In February, soon after the media drives, Maruti Suzuki could launch the Fronx. This will act as the final call for the potential Fronx buyers, who won’t make the deposit without the price list. Thus, it’ll bring more footfall to the Nexa showroom floors and help Maruti Suzuki advertise the Jimny.

#5 Jimny Launch/Price Reveal

So far, from point #1 to #4, Jimny is riding the hype train and the price is the last card it has left. To play this, Maruti Suzuki have to make sure they jump on it and add fuel to it before it slows down. Moreover, the Thar 5-door will have started taking away some off-road SUV buyers. So, Maruti Suzuki can’t hold on to this card for too long. Therefore, we expect Maruti Suzuki to use it up in March.

#6 New Territory

While Maruti Suzuki don’t keep a long gap between bookings and launch, the Jimny is a completely new territory for Maruti Suzuki. So, they need some time to gauge the results of the marketing campaigns, tweak the strategies and experiment with new ones. During this time, the bookings will keep coming in. All the data they collect from the reveal to media reviews and leading up to the launch will help them gauge the demand they can expect for the Jimny. This will give them time to prep the production line for the 5-door Jimny and their vendors/suppliers to adjust the production to meet the demand.

For this, a 2-3 month period since bookings is suitable. Maruti Suzuki also took about this long for the Grand Vitara, which was also a car from a completely new price segment. Therefore, after the launch in March, we expect them to start delivering the Jimny in April.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny Pros And Cons - Against Mahindra Thar

Summary

Based on our assessment, we expect Maruti Suzuki to commence the media drives in February, launch the car in March and commence the deliveries in April 2023.