The country’s largest passenger car maker, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), has again started the production of Pixo hatchback at its violent affected Manesar plant. Interestingly, Pixo model happens to be an entry-level hatchback from Nissan Europe, which is currently manufactured by Maruti Suzuki for the Japanese auto maker.
Reportedly, the model has been incorporated with a retuned engine, which has lower CO2 emissions and brilliant fuel economy. Industry experts believe that these credentials will enable the model qualify for the exemption of road tax in London, which is counted among the key markets for hatchbacks in Europe.
A senior executive of Maruti Suzuki said, “We have added ‘stop & start’ ignition system to Pixo to make it more fuel-efficient and to also conform to new stringent CO2 emission norms across Europe.”
Reportedly, MSIL is aspiring to hand over close to 10,000 Pixo units to Nissan by the end of 2012 as it hopes to rejuvenate its export business that has crumbled to a mere 13 per cent. The company has exported just 53,054 units between the first six months of the ongoing 2012-13 fiscal.
The Managing Director of the company, S Nakanishi quoted, “We have orders to manufacture and ship 10,000 Pixo for Nissan Motors this year as part of the export commitment from our parent Suzuki Motors Corp. Despite the troubles faced earlier in the Manesar plant, we expect to meet this commitment as the production has gradually improved.”
Earlier in October 2012, the company delivered the latest consignment of Pixo in Europe, the region wherein it also sells A-Star hatchback under the badge of Alto. Pixo happens to be a five door, four seater hatchback and a derivative of A-Star, which is exclusively designed by the Maruti Suzuki for Nissan to suit the specifications for Europe. However, industry experts also believe that the production of Pixo hatchback at Manesar plant will also help the car maker in bringing the unit back on track.
