The wholly owned subdivision of the Japanese automotive giant Suzuki Motor Corporation, Maruti Suzuki has sold the 2,00,000th unit of its Ritz. This model joins the list of top grossing cars like Alto and Swift by crossing this mark. With this achievement, the model also helped the car maker maintain its position as the number one car maker of India.
This hatchback has touched the milestone of 2 lac units successfully within just 36 months of its launch in May 2009, making it as one of the fastest cars to achieve this feat. In financial year 2011-12, the company witnessed sales of more than 64,000 units of the car, thus making it one of the best selling passenger vehicles in the premium hatchback segment of the country. The company exported more then 8000 vehicles to Asian markets, where it has been received quite well. South East Asia and neighbouring countries are amongst the major export markets for this vehicle.
Commenting on the achievement, Chief General Manager (CGM), Marketing, Maruti Suzuki, Shashank Srivastava, said, “We are happy that Ritz has found appreciation for itself among consumers across age groups. Launched in 2009, Ritz has indeed played a wonderful innings so far. It is one of the finest offering in terms of technology powered by the two most successful engines 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine (first on Ritz) and DDiS 1.3 litre diesel engine providing the users with ample driving comfort. Ritz owners also, have always appreciated its driving comfort. In current context too, when market is skewed towards diesel, we expect Ritz to gain more volumes in the future as well.”
After extensive research and keeping in mind the needs and wishes of hatchback buyers and studying the premium A2 segment quite closely, the Ritz was designed and developed by Maruti Suzuki using the latest technologies. Major factors that contributed largely to its success, mainly amongst the young generation, are European design and contemporary styling.
The high levels of comfort, relaxation, engine performance and superior driveability of the car have solidified the Ritz's status as the best-in-class model in its segment. Its tall boy design and the interiors designed particularly to enhance the comfort and relaxation level of the passengers enable the company to ensure peaceful and cosy driving experience. The stylish and sleek driver's area and the class leading mileage, along with the goodwill of Maruti Suzuki, ensure that the Ritz is one of the most popular cars in the premium hatchback segment.
It is not only a popular choice on the roads but also on the World Wide Web. It happens to be the first brand in Indian auto mobile industry to touch a fan base of 1 million on its official fan page on Facebook, the largest social networking website in the world, which is a rare feat.
Also known as the Splash in the international market, Maruti Suzuki Ritz was declared 'Best Premium Compact Car in Initial Quality” by India Initial Quality Study and 'Best Appealing Premium Compact Car' by India Appeal Study in 2009. Year 2010 was the zenith for the hatchback as it was declared 'Premium Hatchback of the Year' by Auto Car, 'Compact Car of the Year' by Auto Bild and 'Car of the Year' by BS Motoring.
