Maruti Suzuki Alto becomes first car in India to cross 3 million mark

Breaking old records and creating some new ones in the course, the Maruti Suzuki Alto has crossed the 30 lakh (3 million) unit mark to become the first vehicle in India to do so. The Alto is now the highest-selling car in Indian automotive history and the journey has been a humble yet remarkably speedy one, ever since it was first launched in India in the year 2000.

The Alto was initially introduced as a sidekick of the Maruti 800 that used to be the face of the Indian manufacturer back then.  But gradually and silently, the Alto kept climbing up the ladder, thanks to many substantial updates that were given to it over the years.

Its first real major upgrade came as recent as 2012 when the new Alto 800 was launched in India. The Alto 800 was followed by the more powerful Alto K10 which made its way to India in October 2014 with a 1000cc engine. The Alto K10 currently is also available with an AMT automatic gearbox now which makes it very desirable for a female or senior citizen drivers who want a dependable and easy-to-use product.

On this landmark feat, executive director of Maruti Suzuki India CV Raman, said to NDTV, “In an era when the competition was certain and liberalisation was peaking, we had to bring in new products. We brought in the Baleno (sedan), the Wagon-R and the Alto. It was then decided that 'Alto' is a global brand and that it should be established as a brand in India. That was the thought right from the inception.”

It was in November last year that the Alto reached 2.8 million (28 lakh) units, overtaking the Maruti 800 as the highest-selling car in India. However, in the face of competition from many new offerings like the Renault Kwid and Maruti cousins like the Baleno at present, it remains to be seen for how long the highest-selling car in India continues to dominate the market. Till then, we raise a toast to its unprecedented success in the country!