Maruti gets past 1.5 cr production milestone

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has crossed a major milestone of 1.5 crore units of cumulative production in over three decades since it started selling cars in the country.
The company said models that significantly contributed to the show include Maruti 800, Alto, Wagon R, Omni and newer ones such as Swift and DZire.
The company's first car, a Maruti 800, had rolled out from the Gurgaon facility way back in December 1983.
"The 15 millionth car, a DZire, rolled out from the company's Manesar facility last week," the company said in a statement.
MSI Executive Director (Production) Rajiv Gandhi said: "Maruti Suzuki's journey has been one of Kaizen and continuous improvement. Our people on the shop floor make enormous contribution so that we can offer more and better to our customers, and fulfill their needs and aspirations."

On the achievement, the company said it produced 31 lakh units of the Alto series, 29 lakh units of its iconic Maruti 800 model and 17 lakh units of Omni van during the 31-year period.

Besides, the company manufactured 16 lakh units of compact car Wagon R and 13 lakh of premium hatchback Swift and 10 lakh of compact sedan DZire.
The company said it pulled off 10 lakh production figure in 1994, 50 lakh in 2005 and the one crore milestone in 2011.
On future plans, Gandhi said the company is eyeing a 2 crore production figure.
"Of course, we want to get to 20 million in good time, by making quality products with the help of capable and motivated people," Gandhi said.

MSI's medium-term goal is to clock sales of 20 lakh vehicles per annum by 2020 and to achieve that, the car maker is expanding its product portfolio, foraying into new segments, strengthening the sales and service network and enhancing capabilities across the value chain.