History
In the 1980s and early 1990s, the name "Maruti" was synonymous with the Maruti Suzuki 800. It remained the best-selling car in India until 2004, when the Maruti Suzuki Alto[5] took the title. It was also exported to a number of countries in South Asia including Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and was also available in Morocco and selected European markets, often sold as the Suzuki Maruti. In an elaborate ceremony held in New Delhi on 14 December 1983, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi handed over the keys of the very first car to Mr. Harpal Singh (S/O Haridas Singh), who won the ownership rights through a lucky draw. The original 800 was based on the Suzuki Fronte SS80, but a modernized aerodynamic version using the body of the second-generation Alto (SB308) was presented in late 1986. The introduction of this car revolutionized the automotive industry in India. From its inception, it was considered as the first affordable people's car, the first modern era front wheel drive and high speed small contemporary vehicle, and the only reasonably modern car available in India, the incumbent mainstay Hindustan Ambassador and Premier Padmini being based on long-obsolete 1950s designs. The delivery was against bookings done directly with Maruti Udyog Limited (A Govt. of India undertaking). The prospective owner would then have to wait for almost three years after booking till delivery. Such extended waiting times gave rise to some people indulging into black marketing and earning premiums as much as 40%. Cars produced during the early years were essentially Suzuki OEM components imported from Japan and merely assembled by Maruti Udyog Limited at the Gurgaon plant.
Exports to neighboring countries commenced in 1987, and were followed by a shipment of 500 cars to Hungary, with the first car arriving on 24 October 1987.[6] Soon, exports to Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia followed, two other markets with less restrictive homologation requirements than Western Europe. After successes there, and in spite of Suzuki's objections, Maruti Suzuki tackled more competitive markets and entered France in 1989, the Netherlands in 1990, followed by England, Malta, and Italy.[7] In markets where Japanese cars had a quota, the 800 was sold as a Maruti, with all mention of Suzuki carefully removed – even the user manuals were revised, so as not to fall afoul of the quota requirements.[7] The 800 continued to be sold in Italy and other Western European markets until 2004, when it no longer met emissions and safety requirements.[8] The Maruti Suzuki had never been equipped with seat belts until exports began, meaning that such parts originally had to be imported from Japan to be fitted to export market cars, as with everything relating to building left-hand-drive cars.[6]
Suzuki in Japan wanted to end production of the 800 and replace it with the Maruti Suzuki Zen. In 1993 Suzuki royalties for the 800 would end, meaning Maruti Suzuki had no incentive to keep making the car. In the end, a compromise was reached where Suzuki would continue to get a small royalty and they agreed to make small improvements to keep the 800 relevant in the market. The first major update was in 1997 with new headlamps, front and rear bumpers, a new dashboard and the steering wheel from the Zen. In 2000, the engine got fuel injection with 4 valves per cylinder. This gave more power (46HP/35kW) and also meant it met new Euro II emissions standards.[10]
