Success of Maruti Suzuki cars in India is really remarkable. The subsidiary of Japanese manufacturer Suzuki, Maruti has a sizeable market share in the country. The carmaker’s popularity is only going one way: up. The question that lingers is: How Maruti Suzuki managed to capture significant share in the Indian market?
The first mover advantage
In the early days only a few local manufacturers were involved in mass production of cars in India. However, the scenario changed in the 1980s, when foreign firms were eventually allowed to invest in the Indian market, leading to the alliance between Japanese Suzuki and Indian Maruti in 1981. Maruti Suzuki was the first and most successful multinational car manufacturer in India. It was in the year 1991, when India started liberalizing the automotive market, that Maruti faced any real threat from foreign carmakers. So, by the time competition increased in the car market, Maruti Suzuki had already established itself in India, with cars like the Maruti 800 dominating the market in the 80’s. And, cars like Swift VDI, Celerio, Wagon R and Alto are among others which have clicked right with Indian people in the new millennium.
The reasons for its popularity in the market are:
Economically priced
It has to be the most important factor. Before Maruti came into India, owning a new car was something only a small proportion of the population could afford. After its entry in 1981, the exclusivity regarding the car ownership changed in India. The models such as 800 in the 1983 and Alto variants in 2012 made car ownership a reality for majority of the population. Though Maruti Suzuki has remained largely focused on its affordable versions, some steps towards premium segment have also been taken off late.
Fuel Efficiency
Providing maximum mileage on almost all its models Maruti Suzuki has managed to rule the hearts since it steeped in the automotive industry. Truly a people’s car brand, Maruti has been a trusted name in the market for providing the maximum benefits in terms of fuel efficiency.
Low maintenance cost
Other factor that goes in Maruti Suzuki’s favor is the low maintenance aspect. It does not cost much in terms of maintenance as far as Maruti cars are concerned. There is a general consensus among Maruti users that during the initial 30,000-odd kilometers of their journey, they did not spend even a single penny on maintenance. This is a huge plus for any car user.
