Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the largest car maker in the country, is developing a new 800cc small car in the Indian market. Earlier, it was reported that the company is planning to launch a new version of its iconic 800cc car- Maruti 800, but now the company has made it clear that it is looking at a completely new car to be developed by Maruti Suzuki engineers.
It is to be mentioned here the sales of company’s oldest portfolio model –Maruti 800 – have dipped to a very low level as it has been discontinued from the 13 major cities where the new BS-IV emission norms have been implemented by the government of India. Though the Maruti 800 model was expected to be upgraded to make it compatible to the new emission norms, company has decided to phase-out the car.
The company has said that the new 800 cc small car will co-exist with India’s largest selling car Maruti Alto that is clocking monthly sales of over 30,000 units, at present.
Speaking to the reporters in the national capital on Tuesday, managing executive officer (engineering) IV Rao, said, "This will be an all-new car, though based on an existing platform. The idea is to do it in-house at Maruti, with minimal support from our Japanese parent, Suzuki."
The development of the new 800 cc car can be seen as a very crucial decision taken by the company as its closest rival Hyundai is all set to launch a new 800cc small car in the Indian market by this year end.
![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]")
