New Delhi, Oct. 6: Car makers are using various novel strategies to jack up sales this festive season. Besides launches, companies are rolling out special edition cars that are minor upgrades of the existing models.

Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Honda have introduced special edition cars.

Toyota has recently unveiled special editions of the Liva hatchback and the Etios sedan, with the Xclusive concept, for Rs 4.95 lakh and Rs 6 lakh, respectively.

They are available in both petrol and diesel variants and are based on the equivalent G versions of the standard car. According to Toyota officials, only 1,000 units of the Etios Xclusive will be sold.

Maruti has launched the sportier version of the WagonR called the Stingray. It has also come out with Madhavan Signature Edition WagonR, named after South Indian actor R. Madhavan, and a Musik edition of the Alto K-Series.

“The Madhavan car will have a signature of the star as well as host of other features absent in the existing Wagon R line-up,” a senior official said.

The cost of additional accessories and equipment is around Rs 32,000.

The Musik Edition has 10 additional features. A JVC MP3 player with USB support and four-inch front speakers along with a music-inspired body graphic and the Alto K10 and Musik logos. Rear spoiler and mud flaps are complimentary.

Analysts believe special editions help companies by creating a buzz among buyers looking for something extra and exclusive. Even minor changes, albeit cosmetic, helps to boost sales.

“Special editions do help in marginally spiking sales. Consumers feel that they are the only ones with these vehicles but the changes on these cars are mostly cosmetic. This year, I believe there would be slight increase in sales in the festive season,” expert P. Tharyan said.

Honda Cars India has also launched limited edition variant of the compact car Brio priced at Rs 4.92 lakh.