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The
first Alto model introduced in 1979 |
Production of Suzuki’s tiny Alto, termed a subcompact in Japan, has reached
four million units.
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The first generation model was introduced in May 1979 as a ‘bonnet van’, when
average prices of subcompact passenger cars were 500,000 to 600,000 yen, but
Suzuki set a retail price of 470,000 yen and started the subcompact boom.
Sales reached one million in 1985 and the three million mark was passed in
1993. However, expansion of Suzuki’s subcompact lineup and the increasing popularity
of RV-style subcompacts like Suzuki’s own Type R slowed production of the Alto.
However, this model can also claim to have kick-started modern vehicle production
in India. Versions of the Alto produced by Maruti were the first current model
cars to be built on the sub-Continent and an ideal cheap introduction to four-wheeled
motoring for thousands.
Indian-built Altos are now exported all over the world.
A related news article: Maruti
increases car prices by up to 2.0%
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