July 23, 07:41

Maruti Repositions Brezza to Attract First-Time Car Buyers

Maruti Suzuki is adjusting the positioning of the Brezza model, targeting first-time car buyers amid growing competition and changing consumer preferences in India's rapidly expanding compact SUV market.

New Approach to Target Audience

Before launching the updated version on Friday, the country's largest automaker stated that the model is designed to attract a broader range of buyers, not just one type of client. This shift comes against the backdrop of a significant expansion in the Brezza buyer profile over the last eighteen months.

The share of first-time car buyers has increased by eight percentage points. The customer base for the model is now composed of approximately one-third first-time buyers, one-third of those replacing an old vehicle, and one-third of those purchasing a second vehicle. Since no single buyer group dominates the customer structure, Maruti stated that the updated Brezza is designed to meet the needs of all three segments.

Changing Consumer Mindset

Parth Banerjee, Senior Executive Director of Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India, noted that the company aims to understand the desires of India's younger generation, emphasizing that this is guided by psychographics rather than demographics. He added that the updated Brezza was developed considering various customer 'settings,' not a single buyer profile.

Internal company research shows that entry-level SUV buyers have become significantly more ambitious over the last decade. According to Maruti, the share of such buyers has grown by 37 percent since 2017, more than double the industry growth rate. Simultaneously, purchasing factors have changed: the importance of performance has increased by 35 percent, new technology by 44 percent, and trunk volume has doubled between 2017 and 2025.

Compact SUV Market Dynamics

This strategy is being implemented as the compact SUV segment has become the largest category of passenger cars in India. According to the company, this segment's contribution to industry sales has grown from about 5 percent in the fiscal year 2016 to over 30 percent in the fiscal year 2026.

Although the Brezza helped popularize this segment after its launch in 2016, its own market share has decreased from approximately 43 percent in the fiscal year 2017 to about 13 percent in the fiscal year 2026. Competition has intensified from rivals such as Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and recently, Skoda Kylaq.

Nevertheless, the Brezza remains the best-selling compact SUV in the country, accumulating 1.42 million units sold, surpassing Tata Nexon with 1.04 million and Hyundai Venue with 780,000, according to the company citing JATO Dynamics. Maruti opened pre-orders for the updated model ahead of its July 24 launch.

Reasons for Update and Trends

Banerjee dismissed suggestions that the update was driven by competitive pressure, asserting that recent Brezza sales were limited by production capacity, not demand. He stated: 'Brezza consistently shows very good results... Last year our figures were close to two lakh. That was purely a production limitation.'

The company also believes that the compact SUV market is becoming more fragmented in terms of customer expectations. Banerjee noted that buyers are no longer making purchase decisions based on a single parameter, such as price or fuel economy; preferences are diverging among customers focused on performance, those seeking low running costs, and those choosing cleaner fuels. This shift is reflected in the product planning for the updated Brezza.

He added that the demand for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles continues to grow, especially among young buyers. The preference for CNG among customers under 35 has increased by 7 percentage points over the last two years, while diesel users are increasingly switching to CNG.

podrobno.uzJuly 23, 09:38

Uzbekistan Cabinet of Ministers Approves Tasks for Food Safety Committee with AI Implementation

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution that establishes the operating rules for the Food Safety Committee. This new structure will be responsible for quality control of goods, as well as ensuring veterinary and phytosanitary safety, integrating an artificial intelligence-based monitoring system into its activities.

Powers and Structure of the Committee

This Cabinet resolution details the powers, tasks, and funding sources of the Committee. Two important documents were approved: one concerning the Committee itself, and the second regarding the Fund for the Development of the Food Safety Sector. The Committee is established as an independent executive body responsible for state policy and supervision in the areas of product safety, veterinary medicine, and phytosanitary matters.

This body will report to both the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. Among its main functions is the introduction of a modern control mechanism. The creation of a unified digital platform is planned, which will allow tracking product safety and managing potential risks using artificial intelligence technologies. Furthermore, the launch of a rapid alert system for citizens about dangerous products and their subsequent withdrawal from circulation is provided for.

Financing and Goals of Reforms

Special attention was paid to the financial support of the industry. Based on existing funds related to plant protection and veterinary medicine, a unified Development Fund was formed, which does not have the status of a legal entity. This fund will collect funds received from the registration of food products, provision of specialized services, conducting expert examinations, as well as various payments and fees related to licensing and control.

Government representatives note that the implementation of these new systems is intended to raise the level of quality and safety of goods circulating in the domestic market. Previously, the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency of Uzbekistan reported the detection of violations of phytosanitary standards at enterprises in four regions of the country.

uza.uzJuly 23, 09:34

Tadbircore.uz platform aggregates offers from various banks for entrepreneurs

A convenient platform, Tadbircore.uz, has appeared that combines offers from multiple banks. This is good news for entrepreneurs who were tired of visiting several banks and resubmitting documents every time.

Platform operation and results

The Tadbircore.uz platform, operated by the Central Bank, has been in test mode for a month. Its concept is very convenient: an entrepreneur submits an application in one place, views offers from different banks, and chooses the most suitable one. Thus, it is a true universal service center for businessmen.

Service usage statistics

The results show positive dynamics: almost 1,500 applications were received in one month, and 415 loans were approved. Among those who received loans, 46 percent belong to micro-businesses, and 21 percent are individual entrepreneurs. Another interesting fact was noted: 41 entrepreneurs received a loan from a bank that was not previously their client.

Call for testing

Since the platform is still in the testing phase, it is recommended to visit it right now. Through tadbircore.uz, you can submit an application, test the process, and share your opinion. However, you must prepare an Electronic Signature in advance, as it will be required when submitting an application. If the platform proves to be convenient, you should report it; if difficulties arise, they must be described, as the platform is being improved based on real user experience.