Suzuki Motor Corporation has sparked curiosity in the Indian automotive market by trademarking two intriguing names - Escudo and Torqnado. This move could hint at the branding direction for some of the eight new models that Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce in India over the next four years.
Escudo: Already associated with Suzuki's Vitara SUV in Japan, the Escudo name carries a legacy and may be repurposed for a new model in the Indian market.
Torqnado: A fresh and catchy name, Torqnado seems to blend 'torque' and 'tornado', suggesting a vehicle with a strong and dynamic performance. This could be an entirely new addition to Suzuki's lineup.
Upcoming Models and Possibilities
- Among the eight new models planned, some are next-gen iterations of existing favorites like the Swift and Dzire, while others are more novel entries like the eVX electric vehicle.
- The remaining models include a three-row SUV based on the Grand Vitara (Y17), an electric MPV (YMC), a budget electric hatchback (K-EV), a Tata Punch rival (Y43), and a three-row compact MPV (YDB).
- The newly trademarked names could potentially be assigned to any of these upcoming models, with Escudo possibly being a contender for the three-row SUV and Torqnado for the electric MPV or the compact MPV.
Launch Timeline
- The new-gen Swift and Dzire are expected to hit the market first, with their launches anticipated in the coming months.
- The eVX is slated for a late-2024 debut, followed by a market launch in early 2025.
- The remaining models will be rolled out gradually from 2025 onwards.
While trademarking a name does not guarantee its use, it does indicate Suzuki's intent to secure these names for potential future use. The automotive community will be eagerly watching to see how these names come to life in Suzuki's evolving Indian portfolio.