Indian auto giant Maruti Suzuki on July 20, 2012 announced that the launch of its new 800 cc small car will be delayed from its proposed schedule during Diwali this year. The launch has been delayed due to the massive violence at the Manesar plant.
Shinzo Nakanishi the Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki India said, “Yes, we have to reschedule the launch of the 800 cc car because of the violence at Manesar plant”. However the MD added that if the company managed to recover fast after the impact then it would be launched as per planned.
Maruti Suzuki earlier said that it would introduce the new 800 cc car during Diwali this year which will be more fuel efficient and also more expensive than the existing best selling car Alto. The commercial production of the car was supposed to begin at its Gurgaon facility from July or August this year.
It is understood that the company has upgraded the existing engine and platform of the Alto instead of the complete overhaul in order to reduce the development costs. Maruti has also stopped selling its popular M800 in specific areas where Bharat Stage IV emission norms are applicable as the car does not meet certain stringent parameters.
