Maruti Suzuki is weighing options to step up the production of its upcoming global car-A-Star, as the company anticipates robust demand of premium compact cars in the domestic market. Previously, India's largest passenger vehicle maker had earmarked 50,000 units for the domestic market. This car was conceptualised by Maruti's R&D team in Delhi and will sport distinctly Indian features — a first of its kind in the automobile industry which draws its inspiration from European models. The five-door hatchback, which would be rolled out from company's plant at Manesar, is touted to be one of the most environment-friendly cars in India.,
A-Star conforms to BS-III emission norms and also boasts of lower CO2 emissions. It is all set to be the new flagship product for Maruti Suzuki in place of Alto. The new car is also perhaps the only model in the world which will have 750 variants as it will be sold across 151 countries including Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The car will have different avatars and different names like Suzuki Alto Celerio, Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Nissan Pixo, and will also have different specifications in markets it is to be sold. The premium model will also be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Auto Show, beginning October'08.
According to a senior representative of Maruti Suzuki, the company will definitely scale up A-Star's production, if there is enough demand. He added that MSIL has the capacity to meet higher demand for this new car, which has been designed and modelled to meet tough European standards and is expected to draw huge numbers for the company. The new car to be marketed next month will feature the company's new generation K-Series engine. He further stated that the Manesar plant has been designed to meet the requirements of Nissan or Suzuki's exports or sale of its new car in India. He concluded by asserting that Maruti Suzuki will aim to retain its current marketshare of 55 per cent in India.
source:wheelsunplugged
