While Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) has awarded Alto a zero-star safety rating, Maruti Suzuki Alto sales and growth continues unabated, leaving us to think global ratings have little or no bearing on customer buying patterns and preference in India.
Maruti Suzuki Alto meets safety norms as per Government of India. As Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme / Bharat National Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is being formulated, airbags, vehicle reverse gear sensors for child and pedestrian safety, speed-warning systems and seatbelt reminder system will be mandated as standard equipment among multiple other reforms. Maruti Suzuki Alto is prepared to adapt to forthcoming crash testing, safety and emission norms.
Maruti Suzuki sales across segments keeps growing with every new car. That strength in numbers is further fortified with some of its older models still raking in big moolah. The categorical shift from bikes to cars, sees entry level cars in a favourable position with first time buyers, the largest buying group in this segment.
Not surprisingly, February 2018 marks 35 lakh units of Maruti Suzuki Alto sales. Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Director, RS Kalsi says Alto isn’t just the highest selling car for the company in India, but also globally.
Maruti Suzuki Alto variants on offer – 800 cc, K10, and CNG. Launched in September 2000, it’s been a winning proposition since start – a reasonably priced small car. In the ‘Mini’ car segment, Maruti Alto and WagonR bring in a major chunk of company sales volume. Most recently, in February 2018, Maruti reported 33,789 units sold in its A segment (Mini) cars. Alto sales outnumber all competitor cars (Renault Kwid, Datsun Go, Hyundai Eon) sold in the segment.
Looking at its history and how it performed in sales, on 14th February, 2008 it was announced Maruti Suzuki Alto sales had crossed the one million (10 lakh) production landmark, a Silky Silver, Alto Lxi – Chassis no 1126046 at the Gurgaon plant. The milestone was achieved in seven years and five months since launch. While it took 64 months to reach first 5 lakh sales, the next 5 lakh units were sold in just 25 months.
The 20 Lakh sales mark was announced in mid June 2012 (10 lakh to 20 lakh sales achieved in 52 months). The 30 lakh milestone came about in good time exactly two years earlier (20 lakh to 30 lakh sales achieved in 45 months). The most recent 5 lakh sales units were reported in 24 months. Two years shy of being in business for 20 years, the price of Alto has remained sub 3 lakh despite monumental industry changes, inflation and auto industry development.
Alto Sales journey in India
0-10 lakh = 64 months
10-20 lakh = 52 months
20-30 lakh = 45 months
30-35 lakh = 24 months
