The Maruti Suzuki Alto has overtaken its elder sibling with M800 as the highest sold car in India. With a total sales of over 29 lakh units, the entry-level hatchback has achieved the milestone in a 15-year production run.
Launched the 2000[FV1] , the Alto was a slightly better option for the M800, though based on the same platform. The car offered few more features and modern looks, making it the favoured entry-level car over the years. The Alto is now available in two models – the 800cc named the Alto 800 and the recently facelifted Alto K10 with a 998cc engine. Together, these are the most successful cars in India.
Commenting on the milestone, Maruti Suzuki Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) R S Kalsi said, "Over the years, Alto has brought happiness to 29 lakh families to become India's largest selling single brand car. With its success, Alto continues to remain the first choice for personal mobility solution for Indian customers."
Maruti Suzuki, as a brand, has grown with the Indian economy, where the now discontinued M800 took 29 years to get to these figures, the Alto achieved the same in just 15 years.