Maruti Suzuki sales
Maruti Suzuki sales in 2008-09
New Delhi: Car market leader Maruti Suzuki sold 792,167 vehicles in 2008-09. This marks a growth of 3.6 per cent over last year.
The annual sales in 2008-09 is the highest ever by the company, in its 25 year history. The previous highest annual sales were 764,842 units in 2007-08.
The company's sales included exports of 70,023 units in 2008-09, up by 32.1 per cent over sales of 53,024 recorded in 2007-08. The 2008-09 export numbers, the highest ever by the company was led by A-star, the fuel efficient compact car launched in Europe during the year. The export tally includes around 19,000 units of A-star exported to Europe including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland.
2008-09 marked Maruti Suzuki's Silver Jubilee year in India. Over these 25 years the company has sold over 7 million (70 lakh) cars in the domestic market. Additionally, over half a million cars made by Maruti Suzuki have been exported world-over.
During the year, the company continued its focus on long term initiatives, despite the challenging market situation. These include:
Focus on R&D: Manpower strength to 730 engineers from 460 in end March 2008. Company plans 1,000 engineers in R&D by 2010.
New technology engine: Brand new facility for K10B engine launched on schedule.
Launching new models: A-star launched. Introduced Maruti 800 Duo an alternate fuel option that runs on LPG and petrol.
Capacity to manufacture expanded from 800,000 to a million units (Gurgaon plus Manesar plants) annually.
Reached out to new segments of customers through innovative programs: among government employees and rural customers
Export of A star (as Alto) to Europe commenced as per schedule.
Dedicated export port facilities for cars at Mundra completed, used for A-star shipment.
Network expansion:
Sales: from 600 sales outlets (in 393 cities) last year to 681 outlets (in 454 cities);
Service: from 2628 service outlets (1220 cities) last year to 2767 (in 1314 cities);
TrueValue: from 265 outlets (in 166 cities) last year to 315 outlets (181 cities).
Increased Pre-owned car sales from 1.01 lakh units in 2007-08 to 1.23 lakh units in 2008-09.
National Road Safety Mission launched - a nation-wide Social responsibility (CSR) initiative to train 500,000 people in safe driving in three years.
The network of Maruti Driving Schools further expanded and crossed 50 schools.
Accolades :
During the year, the company, its products and services received many awards and accolades instituted by independent expert groups, media houses and research agencies. These include:
- A-star as the "Car of the year"
- A-star as the "Best small car of the year"
- K10B Engine as the "Automotive technology of the year"
- Maruti Suzuki as the "Manufacturer of the year"
The company was rated No. 1 for a record 9th consecutive year in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Index Study.
