Maruti Alto crosses 25 lakh sales milestone

Maruti's Alto hatchback has sold over 25 lakh units. The bread and butter model is now the second car from Maruti’s stable to cross this milestone after the 800. While the 800 has been discontinued, the Alto continues to sell and averages between 25,000-30,000 units every month even now.

This milestone was achieved in less than 14 years as the Alto was launched in the September 2000. It’s phenomenal sales figures have been maintained largely due to its no-nonsense approach, efficiency, cheap spares, agility and ease of driving and Maruti’s widespread sales and service network. 

Maruti is India’s largest carmaker and is also a major exporter. It has exported over 2.85 lakh units of the Alto that contributes to its 25 lakh sales milestone.   The Alto K10 was introduced in August 2010 and since then, the company says that it has sold over four lakh units. Last to arrive was the new Alto 800 in October 2012. It sold over one lakh units in just four months after its launch accepting the baton from its predecessor to maintain Maruti’s supremacy on the sales charts. 

The 800cc engine has been a popular choice in the Alto. Maruti also had a 1.1-litre engine in Alto for about four years since 2001 but it was discontinued. In 2010, the 1-litre 3-cylinder K-series engine and the cable-shift gearbox from the Wagon R were plonked into the Alto and it was christened the Alto K10 with a few design tweaks. 

Prices of the Alto 800 start from Rs 2.72 lakh and the Alto K10’s prices start from Rs 3.15 lakh, all prices ex-showroom Delhi. You also get CNG and LPG variants.