Latest Car News in India

Maruti Swift waiting period to curtail

After partially resuming the production operations post the month long break owing to violent turbulence that hit its Manesar plant in July this year, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has finally declared to commence full-fledged operations in the mid of the current month. The country’s pioneering passenger car maker sought a partial respite to production from 21st August under tight security conditions. In the history of labour unrest faced by the company, this year impacted greatly to the goodwill, production and sales of its existing portfolio in the country.   

The Manesar facility of Maruti Suzuki manufactures its bestselling range of models like Maruti Swift hatchback and Maruti Swift Dzire sedan, whose supply suffered worst hit since its launch in the Indian auto market. Lack of production resulted in longer waiting periods since the bookings were kept open. With the commencement of production operations partially, the waiting periods are gradually contracting and after production catches full momentum, customers can expect to grab hold of their car keys sooner.

To make for the loss suffered in production and sales, Maruti Suzuki will be launching its brand new adaptation of its iconic M800 model badged as Maruti Alto 800 on 16th October. The auto manufacturer has opened the bookings with booking amount equivalent to Rs. 5,000. With incorporation of 796 cc engine with enhanced fuel efficacy of 22.7 kmpl, the new Alto 800 is expected to come with a price tag of Rs. 2.5 lakh. The company is offering the new Alto 800 in three petrol and three CNG powered variants and will be positioned against the demand pullers like Hyundai Eon and Tata Nano in the small car segment.

The Alto 800 has been designed to replace the existing high selling Alto small car, which has been witnessing steeply dipping sales due to rising petrol fuel costs and mounting interest rates. Lately, the company has joined the bandwagon of automakers initiating hike in prices of their existing portfolio. From 3rd October this year, Maruti Suzuki announced price rise to the tune of 1 percent across its range in India to offset the negating effect of depreciating value of domestic currency along with shooting input prices.