Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has planned on replacing its Maruti 800 and Alto. Both Maruti 800 and Alto have been country’s bestselling car models but MSIL is keen on introducing more fuel-efficient model that can keep up with the demand of customers.
Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, gave a statement in which he stated that the company is working on replacement of its two most successful car models as they need to be tuned to meet the changing requirements. He added that replacement models will most probably be ready in the next two years.
On facing fierce competition, Nakanishi stated, "Some day we have to change... Their replacement model is under development. The new model will have a more contemporary shape, although it will also sport an 800cc engine. And Maruti and Suzuki engineers will try to ensure high fuel efficiency." At present, the stricter emission norms have forced company to pull out the Maruti 800 from metropolitan cities.
Though Maruti models have attracted customers because of its affordable pricing, MSIL has to put in efforts to manufacture models that can entice the younger population of the country. Tata Motors and Hyundai have introduced upgraded versions of their models (Nano and Eon) and that has prompted Maruti Suzuki to adopt a similar path to stay in the competition.
The company has started working on replacement for Alto and Maruti 800, but MSIL would keep on selling the 1000cc version of Alto, the AltoK10. On this Nakanishi commented, "Who knows, we may also decide to continue with the Alto 800 and let the market take a call on its future."
The Managing Director revealed that in addition to domestic market, MSIL would plan to provide replacement models in the foreign automobile markets too. These countries will be of the non-EU region, including Asia, North Africa and Latin America. No additional details were given by Nakanishi except the fact that replacement can cost more than Rs. 550 crore.
![Maruti Suzuki 800 [2008-2014]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/cars/discontinued/maruti-suzuki/800-2008-2014.jpg?q=80 "Maruti Suzuki 800 [2008-2014]")
