Maruti Suzuki Cars

Summary

Maruti Suzuki has the widest dealer and service network in India and this automaker can be termed an Indian auto company. The company was started as Maruti Udyog Limited by Sanjay Gandhi with about 74 percent stake for the Indian government and 26 percent for Suzuki in this. Maruti Suzuki has introduced the Nexa Experience range of dealership that makes it a great brand to consider those who want to differentiate between the premium and the affordable range.

The Maruti Suzuki brand has been in India since 1983 and now it has about 44 per cent of the market share. The highest selling vehicle for them has been the Maruti 800 and now the Alto 800. Its major sales come from small cars that is the real volume segment.

Indian Operations and Executive Managements

Maruti Suzuki’s two manufacturing units are in Gurgaon and Manesar. These are the two plants that are at the moment manufacturing for the entire country. The third new plant is coming up in Gujarat and this plant will be owned Suzuki than Maruti Suzuki. The Japanese automaker will be giving vehicles to Maruti Suzuki at cost to cost and this has been agreed by Maruti and Suzuki shareholders. The company at the moment is looking at increasing its production in the existing plants to meet the customer demands.

Maruti Suzuki’s head office is based on Nelson Mandela Road, New Delhi, India.The Indian and Japanese JV automaker is headed by Mr RC Bhargava (the Chairman for Maruti Suzuki) and Kenichi Ayukawa, who is the company’s MD and CEO. 

The unit located in Gurgaon has an annual capacity of 9, 00,000 units and if it works on one shift then the annual production is 3, 50,000 vehicles. This plant makes Alto, Omni, Eeco and Gypsy. The other plant is in Manesar and it makes 5,50,000 annual units producing Swift, DZire, Ciaz, Celerio, Baleno and the S-Cross. This plant even has a separate powertrain plant too, which makes its new range of petrol and diesel engines. 

The plant currently manufactures models like Omni, Alto, Eeco and the highly acclaimed Gypsy. The second production unit at Manesar commenced its operations in February 2007. The assembly unit has capability to produce 5, 50,000 units per year. MSIL's most famous models including Swift, Ritz, Swift Dzire, Ciaz and Celerio are produced here. The unit also bears a separate production unit where Suzuki’s power trains are produced. This part is mainly responsible for production and supply of engines and gearboxes to all Maruti Suzuki’s diesel vehicles.

The country’s biggest car maker is also country’s third largest passenger vehicle exporter and is closely followed by Nissan and Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL). MSIL has also been exporting vehicles to European and African nations. Maruti Suzuki is presently known for its small and entry-level cars; however, with rise in demand for its luxury and premium cars in the automotive market has constrained the car maker for bringing-in more premium vehicles in India. Already, the automaker has introduced the Ciaz, a mid-sized sedan, which substituted for the outgoing SX4 sedan. This new launch is MSIL's  offering and has been receiving a positive response from customers. Now, the Indian maker is also aiming to release different new cars in the premium segment.

Products & Services

Maruti Suzuki has a long list when it comes to products. The company makes vehicles that are affordable and premium hatchbacks, multi-purpose vehicles, compact sedan, premium sedan, LUV and now a new compact SUV will be launched too. Maruti Suzuki also has its Maruti True Value that helps car buyers to sell their cars in the used car market. Another initiative by the company is the Maruti Suzuki Driving School. This has been extended from Maruti Suzuki dealership as a part of the company’s CSR activity.

Maruti Suzuki has a network of more than 950 dealerships that are spread across major cities and all union territories of India. It owns more than 3060 service stations. The Nexa Experience dealerships are already 100 and by 2017, this will be 200. Maruti Suzuki India Limited already has 30 express service stations that deliver quick service on 30 national highways.

Environmental Initiatives 

Maruti Suzuki has always been advertising as the most fuel-efficient vehicles. The company has a wide range of vehicles that are available with CNG. This is another initiative that reduce the stress on the environment. The Alto, Wagon R, Celerio, Ertiga come with CNG kit options. Now, the diesel vehicles are also offered with SHVS (smart hybrid vehicles by Suzuki). This is a start stop system that helps to help the fuel efficiency.

Founder & First Car

Maruti Udyog Limited was the initial name of the company and this came into existence in 1981. The first car that was introduced by this company is the Maruti 800, which is the Suzuki Alto Kei. This company was started by the Indian government and it had 74 per cent stake, while the Japanese brand Suzuki had 26 per cent. This company was founded by Sanjay Gandhi and he held the designation of managing director during this Joint Venture.

USP

Maruti Suzuki’s biggest USP is its price. With about three decades of existence in India, the Maruti brand enjoys the widest dealership network. This means it has more exposure to car buyers and they manufacture higher quantity. Due to these reasons, the company can reduce the cost of manufacturing and pass it on to the buyer as well. The products from Maruti Suzuki even have good power, drivability, fuel efficiency and the most affordable cost of ownership too.  The company has the largest range of small cars in the country and this also gives the buyer a variety to pick from. The Alto 800 and the K10 are the best selling vehicles in the world, majorly due to the trust factor that Maruti Suzuki has amongst car buyers. The most fuel-efficient vehicles are also from Maruti Suzuki’s stable as a part of the company’s promise.

Resale Value

Maruti Suzuki enjoys one of the highest resale value in the country. The trust that car buyers endure in Maruti is one of the highest ever. Resale value of small cars like Alto. Maruti Suzuki has the best resale value for reported cars, while most of the competition doesn’t enjoy this privilege. The high level of localisation and the widest dealer and service network in the country makes Maruti Suzuki a great product to own.

Competition

Maruti Suzuki is one of the oldest car maker and has the widest spread of dealerships across the country. With about 40% market share, Maruti Suzuki is the highest selling car maker in the country. Hyundai can be called as the closest rival to Maruti Suzuki. Tata Motors, Ford and Renault could be the other competitors to this brand.