Maruti to cease production of iconic 800 model in April 2012, replacement model in the offing

I. V. Rao, Managing Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), has stated that the company will discontinue the longstanding entry level hatchback '800' from April 2012. This will bring the end of an era in the auto industry as the car was the ultimate family car for more than two decades.

Launched in the year 1983, the car was the first passenger vehicle aimed at the middle class family in India. In almost 30 years, the manufacturer sold close to 2.7 million units of the Maruti 800, which was considered to be an inexpensive and practical vehicle for families. At the time of its launch, it emerged as a feasible alternative to the Padmini and Ambassador models and held its own against new rivals in the domestic auto market, including its own sibling Alto.

The 800 model was launched at a price of Rs. 52,500 when Japanese auto major Suzuki signed a deal with Indian company Maruti in October 1982 to mass produce a new model. The two companies decided to make as many as 1,00,000 cars for a market that had potential of only 35,000 to 40,000 units back then. The first unit was handed over to an Air Force officer just one year later, as Maruti Suzuki worked incessantly to finalise the design and set up the plant.

Despite its iconic status, the car suffered from a slump in sales as new models with better features were launched in the market in the same segment at similar price points. In the year 2010, Maruti Suzuki decided to stop selling the Maruti 800 model in 11 cities in India, including 4 metros, since it was unable to keep up with the stringent BS IV emission norms applicable on vehicles plying in Tier I cities. Thereafter, the car maker sold the model in semi-urban and rural areas only. Presently, the company successfully sells over 2,000 units of the 800 each month. Even after relatively lower sales volumes, the company refrained from publicly announcing its discontinuation till now.

Reportedly, Maruti Suzuki is working on a new entry level hatchback that will replace both of its 800 cc models in India, namely 800 and Alto. This upcoming car is expected to hit the roads by the end of 2012, though there is no official confirmation in this regard as of now. It is expected that the new car will be developed on the platform of the Alto and have the tried and tested F8D, 3 cylinder engine. Upon launch, the replacement model is expected to be the most fuel efficient model in Maruti Suzuki's portfolio.