Maruti Suzuki’s A-Star crossed export mark of 1 lakh units, with the shipment from Mundra Port. The company has achieved 1 lakh units cumulative export of A-star in less than a year since its first shipment to Europe in January this year.
Suzuki’s A-star was launched in India in November 2008.  Manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant, India is the sole base for production of this flagship export model of Suzuki, Japan.  The car is being exported to 69 countries.
Europe has emerged as the major export destination for A-star, where the car is sold as Suzuki Alto. Maruti Suzuki has exported 93,562 units of A-star to Europe alone. Currently, A-star sells in 19 countries in Europe. UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France are some of the major markets. With the K-series engine, the A-star has been rated as number one environmental friendly petrol car in Germany. The European version of A-star sports a Euro V compliant engine that emits CO2 as low as 103 gms per kilometre.
Other major markets for A-star, where it is sold as Suzuki Celerio include Chile, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria and UAE. Like European countries, the car is sold as Suzuki Alto in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand markets.
In the first phase of A-star export plan, Maruti Suzuki has already covered many key markets in Western Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. In the second phase, Maruti Suzuki will target East European markets.
The A-star has led Maruti Suzuki’s export growth this fiscal so far. During April-November this fiscal, the company has exported 91,731 units whereas, during full fiscal last year, Maruti Suzuki’s export was 70,023 units.
