The Maruti Suzuki Swift completes ten years in India
The nation's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki has announced a major milestone in the Indian chapter of its bestseller, the Swift.
May 2015 marks the tenth year of the Swift in India. Launched in 2005, the Swift catapulted Maruti Suzuki to new heights. The car was well received and came kitted with features that were until then, only seen in cars from higher segments. The car went on to win the prestigious Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) award in 2006. The Maruti Suzuki Swift also caught the fancy of many enthusiasts and soon there were tuner modified Swifts on our streets.
To cater to the demand for an efficient diesel mill, Suzuki launched the Swift diesel in 2007 with the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre Multijet engine.
In 2012, a new update Swift was launched. It was built on a completely new platform and stayed true to its ride and handling genealogy. It was so good that auto journalists bestowed the ICOTY crown on it again. The Swift has sold over 1.3 million units since its launch in India, says the company.
Speaking about the Swift's journey in India, RS Kalsi, executive director, Maruti Suzuki said, "Over 1.3 million Swift cars have been bought in India so far, transforming the landscape of the Indian auto industry and inspiring new products, market segments and categories. Over the years, the Swift has evolved in features, looks and technology, often defining the changes in aspiration and preferences of Indian car customers."
It would, however, be pertinent to mention that the India-made Swift failed miserably at the Euro NCAP crash test that brought into spotlight the questionable crashworthiness of the car. The testing agency highlighted the fact that the Swift was structurally unstable. Although the car that was tested was the base Swift, the result is in stark contrast to the five stars that were awarded by Euro NCAP to its European spec version. The use of thinner steel panels and lighter materials in the interest of economy could be the only probable reason for the Indian Swift's dismal performance.
| Bestseller clocks over 1.3 million sales New Delhi, May 8th, 2015: Maruti Suzuki Swift, loved and celebrated by millions of Indians, turns ten this month. Since its launch in May 2005, the Swift has been a bestseller through the decade, surpassing its own records year after year. Swift's attitude, performance and sporty looks have ensured it stays on top, undistracted by competition. On the occasion, Mr RS Kalsi Executive Director (M&S) shared, "Over 1.3 million Swift cars have been bought in India so far, transforming the landscape of the Indian auto industry and inspiring new products, market segments and categories. Over the years, the Swift has evolved in features, looks and technology, often defining the changes in aspiration and preferences of Indian car customers." Swift has broken the myth about the so-called "big car features" by offering them to its customers and along the way creating a new upper A2 segment in the industry. Swift has swept Car of the Year Awards in India, twice over, once when it was launched (2005) and again when the full model change was introduced (2011). Stories of Swift loyalty are part of customer folklore and along with Swift fan clubs and innovative marketing campaigns, have contributed to the iconic status of Brand Swift. In its latest avatar, Swift Diesel saw a 10 per cent increase in fuel efficiency while Swift Petrol improved by 9.5 per cent, making Swift the most fuel efficient car in its category. Launched as a World Strategic Model, brand Swift ushered a new design philosophy. The bold and aggressive design philosophy was distinctively European. Married to Japanese precision and technology, Swift has always enjoyed a global appeal. Month-long celebrations: The Company has lined up month long celebrations to engage with Swift owners and enthusiasts to mark the occasion. Swift Concept to reality • 2002 Paris Motor Show : Rally inspired Concept S showcased reflecting influences from two and four wheel racing activities • 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show : Concept S2, an open-top sports car unveiled • 2004 Paris Motor Show : Concept Swift showcased • 2004 Nov : Launched in Japan • 2005 May : Launched in India Swift Journey • 2005: India launch • 2007: Diesel variant • 2010: Minor Change • 2011 (Aug): Swift full model change • 2014 (Oct): Swift minor change Swift Sales Milestones • Jan 2007: 100,000 units • Mar 2008: 200,000 units • Feb 2009: 300,000 units • Jan 2010: 500,000 units • Sep 2013: 10 Lakh units • Apr 2015: cumulative sales cross 13 lakh units | |