A look back at how Maruti revolutionised the Indian automotive scene and become the market leader it is today
Maruti Suzuki is well known in India and has always been appreciated for its affordable, reliable, and VFM cars. Established in 1981, Maruti Udyog Limited quickly rose to fame and began to be known as a common man’s brand. Here’s looking back at how the brand got to where it is today.
The Beginning Of Maruti Udyog Limited And The Maruti 800
Backed by the Indian government, Maruti Udyog Limited came into existence as one of the most affordable and accessible car brands in the Indian market. Four decades ago, we had brands like the Hindustan and Premiere in the market. Maruti aspired to be a car brand for the common man and it joined hands with the Japanese automaker, Suzuki in 1982.
The Maruti 800 was the first car to be introduced by Maruti and was known for its affordable price tag
Both the brands decided to operate in India in partnership and started setting up manufacturing plants in the country along with importing cars from Japan. One of the most prominent launches of the period was the Maruti 800. This was a model that not only marked a great success for the brand but it was also a car that was within reach for a larger audience, thanks to its relatively affordable price as compared to the competition at the time.
Important Milestones
With Maruti 800 getting popular, Maruti started expanding its line-up with the launch of cars like the off-roading king, the Gypsy
With Maruti 800 gaining popularity amongst the buyers looking for an affordable and cheap-to-run hatchback, Maruti started considering expanding the portfolio and launched the legendary off-road king, Gypsy 4X4, in 1985.
In 1986 the company rolled out its 1,00,000th vehicle from its factory and was already dominating the Indian automotive scene and seemed to be a year of remarkable growth for the brand.
The Maruti 1000 was the first sedan to be launched by Maruti in India
Maruti laid another milestone with the launch of the Maruti 1000 in 1989. The Maruti 1000 was the first sedan to be introduced in the brand’s line-up and catered to the demands of those looking for a spacious, comfortable, and luxurious car for their daily needs.
1998 – Maruti’s First Diesel Car
With diesel becoming popular, the Zen diesel was introduced by the brand as its first diesel offering
In 1998, the brand launched its first diesel car that gained popularity with its super affordable running costs. By the late 1990s, we saw a steady rise in car sales and by then, the buyers were looking for cheaper and more fuel-efficient offerings in the market. Considering the power and efficiency that the diesel engine was offering along with cheap running costs, intercity travel seemed practical and affordable to a common man after the launch of Maruti’s first diesel offering in the Indian market.
2004 – New Age Maruti Alto Overtakes 800
With the launch of the Alto in the market, Maruti started to offer more practical and comfortable products in the market that were well appreciated by the Indian consumers
Soon after making its debut in 2004, the Maruti Suzuki Alto became an instant hit in the market. The car was one of the cheapest options on the market and resembled the 800 in many aspects but it did offer an overall better package of comfort and technology when compared to the 800. The Alto has also been a remarkable product by the brand in the market which remained at the top in Maruti’s portfolio for the next 15 years, only to be dethroned by Maruti Suzuki Dzire in 2019.
Evolution With Nexa
Nexa was set-up in the year 2016 and aimed at offering a premium and a segment-leading buying experience to the customers
After offering one of the best offerings in the market, the company further started focusing on improving the experience they were selling along with their cars to the buyers. The Indian carmaker introduced the new and premium Nexa brand in 2015 while the first car under this brand, the Baleno, made its debut in the market in October 2016.
Under the Nexa platform, the brand also started offering a premium dealership experience to the buyers which offered better showrooms, better amenities, and even exclusive after-sales support which was a huge attraction point for most of the buyers. With only five products in the line-up, the Nexa brand accounts for over 20 percent of total sales by Maruti and is likely to get better in the coming months.
While Maruti has come a long way, the brand is all about putting out feature-loaded, affordable, reliable, and practical four-wheelers that buyers can bank on
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In the over four decades of its journey in India, Maruti has not only offered solid products to the buyers but has been constantly evolving to meet the changing market requirements. Having said that, the Indian carmaker is still working hard in accomplishing its future plans for the Indian market.
FAQ
Who first started the Maruti plant?
Maruti Udyog was first founded by the Government of India in 1981.
Who is the founder of Maruti Suzuki?
Maruti Suzuki was founded by the Government of India in association with the Suzuki Motor Corporation as a minor partner.
Which is the first car of Maruti Suzuki?
The Maruti 800 was the first car to be sold in India by Maruti Suzuki.
Image Sources: Indian Auto, Go Mechanic, Wikipedia,
Keyword: History Of Maruti Suzuki