Production of iconic Maruti 800 stopped by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL)

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) stopped production of the iconic Maruti 800 car brand that had been the carrier for millions of Indian middle-class families. As per the company’s policy, though the car production has stopped, spare parts will be available for customers for  next 8-10 years, for all the models which have been phased out till date.

Why Maruti Suzuki stopped the production of iconic Maruti 800?

• The Maruti 800 lost its appeal among urban consumers as car buyers migrated to models such as the Alto and Wagon R from Maruti Suzuki’s stable and the Santro produced by Hyundai Motor India Ltd, among others.
• Since 2010, due to the stricter emissions regulations, the company halted the sale of car in 13 major cities in India viz. Kanpur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Agra, Surat, etc.
• Maruti Suzuki stated that it would be too costly to make the hatchback to meet stricter emission standards (as per intention to cutting pollution) on congested roads.
• That’s why, MSIL decided to completely stop the production and rolled out the last of its 800 model, but will continue to sell the spare parts of 800 to its customers for next 8 to 10 years. 

Note: Maruti 800 was launched in India in early 1980s and the time of its launch it was priced Rs. 50000 only and at the time of closure of production it was priced at Rs. 2.35 lakh.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2014