The success story of Maruti Suzuki is nothing short of incredible. From humble beginnings in 1981 as a joint venture between Maruti Udyog Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corporation, the company has grown to become India’s largest car manufacturer and the leading player in the Indian automobile sector. Maruti Suzuki’s journey to the top has been marked by a series of achievements, from the introduction of the first small car in the country to pioneering after-sales service and customer satisfaction initiatives. In this article, we will explore how Maruti Suzuki has come to dominate the Indian car industry, and how it has become the gold standard for automotive brands in the country.
The Early Years of Maruti Suzuki
In the early 1970s, the Japanese automobile industry was in the midst of a rapid expansion. Japanese car companies had mastered the art of manufacturing small, fuel-efficient cars, and they were now looking to export their products to new overseas markets. As a result, several Japanese car companies set their sights on the Indian market, which was rapidly developing and had tremendous growth potential. The idea of starting a joint venture between Maruti Udyog Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMRC) for setting up a car manufacturing plant in India came up in 1981. The two companies wanted to collaborate to bring small, affordable cars to the Indian masses. This was a bold move; at the time, the Indian car market was dominated by large, expensive cars aimed at a select few. There was no room for the small car in this scenario, and the idea of introducing such a car in the Indian market was seen as foolish. But the two companies went ahead with their plan, and the Marutis were launched in the Indian market in 1983. The first cars manufactured at the Maruti Udyog plant in Haryana were Santro, Esteem, and Gypsy.
Maruti Suzuki’s Expansion and Growth
The initial years were tough for Maruti Suzuki. The Indian car market was unimpressed by the small, affordable Maruti cars, and sales were not as strong as Suzuki and Maruti had anticipated. This was because the imported cars were expensive, and the Indian government imposed a hefty import duty on the Maruti cars, further driving up their prices. In the first year of operation, the company sold only 50 cars, and in the second year, the number was a mere 100. But the company’s fortunes began to change in 1985, when the Indian government decided to reduce the import duty on the Maruti cars to reduce their
prices. This move proved to be a game-changer for the car manufacturer; in less than a year, sales reached 3000 cars per month.
Maruti Suzuki’s Technological and Production Innovations
Over the next two decades, Maruti Suzuki recorded consistent growth and expansion. The company broke production records every year, and sales figures were consistently high. The Maruti Udyog plant in Gurgaon started as a single-line production unit in 1983. In the years that followed, it expanded and modernized, adopting state-of-the-art technologies. The company also expanded its manufacturing facilities to Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Maruti Suzuki also ventured into new product segments, bringing in cars designed for the Indian market. Alongside the small, affordable Maruti car, the company launched its first midsized car, the Alto, in 1995. It also debuted an SUV, the Suzuki Jimny, in 2000.
Maruti Suzuki’s After-Sales Service and Customer Satisfaction Initiatives
The Maruti Udyog plant was inaugurated in 1983 with an initial capacity of 1000 cars per day. In less than a decade, the company had to increase its production capacity to 1500 cars per day. It was clear that the Indian market was ready for the Maruti car and that it would be successful. Maruti Suzuki took several initiatives to make the cars more accessible to customers, both online and offline. It also focused on improving after-sales service and customer satisfaction. The company went a step further and introduced an innovative customer satisfaction survey, the Maruti Car and Gadget Show, to promote its cars and have direct engagement with customers. It was a first-of-its-kind initiative that helped Maruti Suzuki improve customer satisfaction.
Maruti Suzuki’s Impact on the Indian Automobile Industry
In the early 1980s, India was a nascent automotive market. Cars were expensive and out of reach for the majority of people, and the automobile sector was controlled by a few select companies. As a result, the Indian automobile sector was dominated by a few players, and innovation was slow. But with the launch of the Maruti Suzuki small car, the Indian automotive industry saw a marked transformation. The small car became the most popular automobile in the country, appealing to a wide range of customers and changing the face of the Indian automobile sector. The introduction of the Maruti car reoriented the automobile sector in India, making it more accessible and affordable for customers. It also led to the emergence of a new automotive industry, with new players entering the scene. The Indian automobile sector is now one of the fastest-growing in the world, with a strong emphasis on research, development, and innovation.
Maruti Suzuki’s Place in the Global Automotive Market
Over the past three decades, Maruti Suzuki has emerged as a market leader in the Indian automobile sector. It has also made its mark internationally, becoming the first Indian car manufacturer to export its cars to Europe. The company is also present in several other Asian markets, including South Africa and Sri Lanka. Maruti Suzuki is the flagship brand of the Maruti Udyog Group, which also comprises other car models, including the WagonR, Celerio, Baleno, Vitara Brezza, and Ignis. It is also the parent company of the RE Brand, which manufactures and sells tractors, engines, and commercial vehicles in India. The company has a strong presence in the Indian market, with a customer base of 5.5 million people.
Maruti Suzuki Cars Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS)
Maruti Suzuki provides a Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) for all its vehicles to keep them operating optimally. This PMS is an extensive maintenance service that consists of regular examinations of all car parts, timely changing of parts and fluids, and expert cleaning and detailing. The PMS makes sure that the car is running in its best condition and is safe to drive.
Tyres and Batteries for Maruti Suzuki Cars
When selecting Tyres and Batteries for Maruti Suzuki vehicles, it is essential to be mindful of the necessary requirements. The Tyres must be the correct size and be able to bear the load of the car. Additionally, they have to be manufactured for the type of landscape the car is driven on. Similarly, the Batteries must be the right size and be able to sustain the electrical system of the vehicle. To guarantee a pleasant and secure driving experience, it is crucial to choose the suitable Tyres and Batteries for Maruti Suzuki cars.
Nearest Maruti Suzuki Service Centre in Kerala and Chennai
If you are trying to discover the closest Maruti Suzuki service center, you can be certain you will locate one close by. Maruti Suzuki, India’s top vehicle maker, provides premium service and upkeep facilities at its service centers. There are more than 3,500 service centers across India.
Maruti Suzuki Car Insurance Online Renewal
They offer a wide array of advantages, such as a cashless service network all over India, 24-hour customer care, online policy renewal, and more. Individuals can take advantage of discounts and extra coverage with the online renewal procedure. The process for renewal on the internet is not only easy but also safe, letting customers have peace of mind.
Maruti Suzuki Auto Body Repair and Mechanical Workshop Near Me
If you require a dependable auto body repair and mechanical workshop nearby, Maruti Suzuki should be your go-to place. Their proficient technicians will deliver you with excellent service and quality work. Their extensive selection of diagnostic equipment, services, components, and extras make them the perfect selection for all your car repair requirements. With Maruti Suzuki’s auto body repair and mechanical workshop, you can be confident that your vehicle will be running in optimal condition in no time.
Maruti Suzuki Genuine Spare parts and Car Accessories
When it comes to keeping your vehicle in top condition, Maruti Suzuki genuine spare parts and car accessories are a great choice. They are designed to offer peak performance and dependability and have been examined and confirmed by Maruti Suzuki engineers. With a manufacturer’s guarantee, you can be certain that you are getting the greatest worth for your money. Whether you’re looking to repair your car or give it a new look, Maruti Suzuki genuine spare parts and car accessories can make it happen.
New Model Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Car On-road Price in Kerala and Chennai
Maruti Suzuki’s S-Presso has been a revolutionary car due to its fashionable design, mighty engine, and opulent interiors. Its on-road cost in Kerala goes between Rs. 4.7 lakhs and Rs. 5.8 lakhs, depending on the version and features. Meanwhile, the on-road price in Chennai varies from Rs. 4.7 lakhs to Rs. 6.2 lakhs.
New Model Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Car On-road Price in Kerala and Chennai
In Kerala, the on-road cost of the car is roughly Rs 5.30 lakhs, while the on-road cost of the same car in Chennai is around Rs 5.90 lakhs. These prices make it quite accessible for middle-class families, especially when looking at the provided features. It is fitted with a 1.0-liter K-series petrol motor that is capable of generating 68 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque. The 5-speed manual transmission that it is equipped with provides smooth and quick gear shifts.
