Maruti-Suzuki rolls out 15 millionth car on Indian soil

Maruti-Suzuki, India's largest car manufacturer, added yet another feather to its cap today. By rolling out its 15 millionth car, Maruti-Suzuki became the first-ever car manufacturer to achieve this milestone on Indian soil. The 15 millionth car was a Swift Dzire VDi with chassis number MA3FJEB1S00740865 and it took the company 31 years and 5 months to reach this landmark. The first car, a Maruti 800, rolled out from the same Gurgaon facility in December, 1983.

It wasn't until 1994 the one million landmark was breached but since then, it has been a whirlwind ride for Maruti-Suzuki. The fifth and tenth million milestones were surpassed in 2005 and 2011 respectively, effectively putting the company in fast forward mode. Needless to say, there are quite a few models that have contributed to this success.

With a tally of 3.1 million units, Alto has been the biggest contributor. Of course, that number includes the Alto K10 and Alto 800 variants too. The now-defunct Maruti 800, the car that originally put India on wheels, comes next with 2.9 million units. The dated Omni, with 1.7 million units, rounds off the podium. The Wagon-R, Swift and Dzire follow adding 1.6, 1.3 and 1.0 million units respectively to the kitty. 

It is interesting to note that the newer models like Swift and Dzire have contributed almost as much as the older models like 800 and Omni, which bodes well for Maruti-Suzuki's future. 

Dedicating the milestone to the Company’s customers, partners and employees, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Executive Director, Production, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Maruti Suzuki’s journey has been one of Kaizen and continuous improvement. Our people on the shop floor make enormous contribution so that we can offer more and better to our customers, and fulfil their needs and aspirations. Of course, we want to get to 20 million in good time, by making quality products with the help of capable and motivated people”.

To add to the blindfolded faith people repose in 'Brand Maruti' when it comes to entry-level cars, Maruti-Suzuki finally broke its premium car jinx with the runaway success of Ciaz last year. With all bases covered, the deck is now cleared for more milestones to be breached. Let the party begin!