Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant has resumed production of Nissan’s Pixo. Output of Nissan’s entry level hatchback for Europe was affected by the month-long violent riots at the plant.
Industry analysts said resumption of Pixo production would help Maruti get production at Manesar back on track.
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Maruti, which contract manufactures the baby Nissan, aims to sell around 10,000 units to the Japanese automaker in 2012, reported the Economic Times. Pixo sales could help the Indian automaker boost exports which fell 13% to 53,054 units in the first half.
Maruti Suzuki MD, S Nakanishi said: “We have orders to manufacture and ship 10,000 Pixo for Nissan Motors this year as part of the export commitment from our parent Suzuki Motors. Despite the troubles faced earlier in the Manesar plant, we expect to meet this commitment as the production has gradually improved.”
The Pixo has a retuned engine with lower CO2 emissions, allowing UK road tax benefits and congestion charge exemption. Maruti has also improved interiors and added new paint colour choices.
A senior Maruti executive said: “We have added ‘stop and start’ ignition to make it more fuel-efficient and to also conform to new stringent CO2 emission norms across Europe.”
