The battalion is ready. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Toyota, Nissan and Ford, all plan to blaze the trail in the mini MPV or multi-purpose vehicle segment. Yes, you can now expect new cars in this segment. Wondering what has catalyzed the transformation? It is the aggressive pricing and volume sales to step up investments in this segment which was until now unexplored and is likely to see heightened action this year.

We have often heard of MPVs and seen them on our roads too. Now, what are these mini MPVs? They are people carriers similar to smaller vans with increased roominess. Car makers hope to give the mini MPVs car-like refinement, making them 7-8 seaters. Also, pricing the vehicles competitively is sure to bring in volume sales. Car makers may want to allure the fat Indian families with these launches. The mini MPVs will best suit such families that want a different vehicle with enhanced fuel economy.

What exactly do you think car makers plan for the mini MPV segment? As of now, some are looking at launching all-new vehicles while few others may develop them on an existing platform. Speculation says Japanese auto major Toyota will be launching its Avanza, a mini MPV in India pretty soon. To be positioned below the Toyota Innova, the new car is likely to drive considerable volumes for the company. However, deputy MD of Toyota Kirloskar Sandeep Singh said the current plan for the company will be to focus on the hatchback and sedan on the Etios platform. Let’s see what happens.

India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki too will probably launch a mini MPV. Christened Concept RIII, Maruti is likely to build it on an entirely new platform. All of us very well know that Maruti comes up with made-for-India cars. Want to have a glimpse of the new car or have a desire to take it home even before the launch? Well, just wait for a year or may be a year and a half. While Tata Motors’ Venture is developed on the Ace mini truck platform and is set for mid-year rollout, Nissan and Ford may most likely develop the mini MPV on the Micra and Fiesta platform, respectively.

Experts feel that it is best to bring in a product in a segment that has not yet developed as a category and lacks competition. The chances of exploration are higher. As of now, car makers see profits trickling from such a venture. If the company manages to innovatively package the product, it could insure volume sales. A senior official of a Mumbai-based car company said, “The mini MPV segment will help auto companies to improve margins and lessen their dependence on core products”.

Maruti Suzuki has already entered the segment with its Omni and Eeco. Yes, we can consider such vehicles as mini MPVs. These are priced in Rs 2-3 Lakh range. Hopefully, the potential new players too will price them accordingly. However, analysts say the scaled down versions of MPVs may be priced around Rs 5 to 6 Lakh. If priced right, we can expect the mini MPVs to be the next big thing in the great Indian car industry. Let’s wait and see how well the mini monsters are going to be priced.