Maruti Suzuki has discontinued its highest-selling vehicle, the Alto 800. The production of India’s best-selling car has reportedly been ended because the company does not believe it is financially viable to upgrade the compact hatchback to meet the new BS6 Phase 2 emission standards that became effective from April 2023.
The hatchback’s price would increase significantly if it were upgraded to meet the new, more strict emission standards, according to reports. In addition, increases in road tax, raw material prices, and other kinds of taxation are other factors that have an impact on rising vehicle acquisition costs that influenced this decision.
Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India, is quoted as saying that sales of entry-level hatchbacks have been declining over the years. Srivastava further stated that volume has decreased because the cost of car purchasing in the entry-level market has risen significantly in recent times.
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Speaking about the grounds for the decision, Srivastava added that, in addition to the rising cost of acquisition, the income level of customers in this segment has not improved proportionately, which is another cause for the entry-level hatchbacks’ declining sales. Rising acquisition costs and stagnating income levels have limited affordability for car purchases (in this segment), resulting in a significant decrease in overall sales volume.
Besides, another factor that reportedly contributed to the suspension of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 manufacturing was the increased demand for the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, the larger sibling of the 800 cc hatchback. According to Srivastava:
“It was decided that we should discontinue the Alto 800 and, in any case, the Alto K10 will be our main model henceforth in this segment.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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