Why Maruti Suzuki Cars are the trend setters

by Bella Edward Writer

Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) was established in February 1981 as a subsidiary of Japanese automobile major, Suzuki Motors and the production started in 1983 with the introduction of Maruti 800, the small car that brought a revolution in the country's automobile industry.

In fact, Maruti's history began in 1970, when a private limited company named 'Maruti technical services private limited' (MTSPL) was launched on November 16, 1970 with Mr Sanjay Gandhi, the youngest son of then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi as its first managing director.

Launching of vehicles

After the launching of Maruti 800 car, the company introduced a three-cylinder, 800 cc engine van Omni in November 1984 which also became a super hit in the market. Later, the Maruti Gypsy, a 970 cc four wheel drive off-road vehicle was launched in December 1985. The following year, a new 796 cc hatchback, Suzuki Alto was launched. This year, the company created a landmark by producing its 1,00,000th vehicle. Maruti started exporting its vehicles to the West in 1987 and it shipped 500 cars to Hungary.

In 1990, a new 970 cc, three-box car, the Maruti 1000 was introduced which was the country's first luxury sedan.

It was in 1992 when Suzuki increases its stake in Maruti to 50 percent, making the company a 50-50 JV with the Government of India the other stake holder.

After Maruti 1000, the company launched India's premium hatchback, the Zen in 1993. A new re-vamped version of Maruti 1000, Esteem was launched in 1994.

In 2002, Suzuki Motor Corporation acquired majority stake in MUL. Maruti Swift was launched in 2005.

Maruti Udyog Limited was renamed as Maruti Suzuki India Limited in 2007.

The following year, Maruti launched A-Star in November. check out maruti 800 : http://www.carsexpert.in/marutisuzuki-cars/alto-800/

Phasing out vehicles

Maruti Suzuki started phasing out its most popular car, the Maruti 800 beginning in April 2010 as the company did not have the plan to upgrade the vehicle to Euro IV or BS IV emission norms. The last Maruti 800 was produced on January 23, 2014.

Maruti also phased out some other models like the Baleno, A Star, Zen Estilo and the SX4. The company is likely to discontinue its popular hatchback Ritz in India to make way for its upcoming model YRA.

Present models

Today Maruti Suzuki has one of the largest numbers of models to choose from including the Alto 800, Alto K10, Wagon R, Wagon R Stingray, Celerio, Ritz, Swift, Swift DZire, Ertiga, Omni, Eeco, Gypsy and the Ciaz. The ex-showroom prices start from Rs 2.47 lac for the Omni to Rs 10.32 lac to Ciaz.

The company has said that it is planning to bring out several new models during the months to come.

Also check out the latest Yamaha Saluto : http://bikeportal.in/newbikes/yamaha/saluto/