7
MARKET LIBERALISATION:
In 1989 the Maruti 1000 is presented after having been shown earlier. This 970 cc, three-box is
India’s first contemporary sedan. By 1991 65 percent of the components, for all vehicles
produced, are indigenised. Meanwhile, the liberalisation of the Indian economy opens new
opportunities but also brings more competition to the segments in which Maruti operates. In
1992 Suzuki increases its stake in Maruti to 50 percent, making the company a 50-50 JV with the
Government of India the other stake holder.
A flow of new models begin in the early nineties. In 1993 the Zen, a modern 993 cc, hatchback
which is later exported globally as the Suzuki Alto. In 1994 the 1298 cc Esteem appears, a more
luxurious redesigned Maruti 1000. This and other Marutis begin appearing in a plethora of
different equipment levels, to better suit India's increasingly discerning consumers. A Zen
Automatic arrives in 1996, as does the Gypsy King, a 1.3 liter version of the compact off-roader,
and a minibus version of the Omni (the Omni E).
In 1994 Maruti Suzuki produces its 1 millionth vehicle since the commencement of production,
being the first company in India to do so. This is still not enough in a booming market and the
next year Maruti's second plant is opened, with annual capacity reaching 200,000 units. Maruti
also launches a 24-hour emergency on-road vehicle service, the first of its kind in the country. In
1996 the United Front government is formed, with Murasoli Maran new Industries Minister. On
27 August the following year the government nominates Mr. S.S.L.N. Bhaskarudu as the
Managing Director, as the then current Managing director R.C. Bhargava, was completing his
tenure. This creates a conflict with Suzuki, discussed closer in the Joint venture related issues
section.
In 1998 the new Maruti 800 is released, the first change in design since 1986. This is simply a
facelift of the existing model, to ensure steady sales. Also, the two millionth vehicle is produced.
Other news included the Zen D, a 1527 cc diesel hatchback and Maruti's first diesel vehicle. The
Omni van and microbus is also redesigned. The next year the Omni bus arrives in a high roof
version, the Omni XL. The 1.6 liter Maruti Baleno three-box saloon, advertised as the 'Maruti
Suzuki Baleno', also appears. This is Maruti's biggest car yet. Finally, in what is a very busy
year, the Wagon R is launched.
In 2000 Maruti becomes the first car company in India to launch a Call Center for internal and
customer services. The new Alto model is also released, somewhat larger and more modern than
the 800. The estate Baleno Altura is also shown, while IDTR (Institute of Driving Training and
Research) is launched jointly with the Delhi government to promote safe driving habits. In 2001
Maruti True Value, selling and buying used Maruti Suzukis, is launched in Bangalore and Delhi,
later in Mumbai and elsewhere. In October of the same year the Maruti Versa sees the day, a
bigger engined and more luxurious microbus than the Omni. It never catches on in the market
and is discontinued by late 2009, only to be replaced by a cheaper, stripped-down version called
Eeco. Customer information centers are also launched in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. In
2002 the Esteem Diesel appears, as does Maruti Insurance. Two new subsidiaries are also
started: Maruti Insurance Distributor Services and Maruti Insurance Brokers Limited. Suzuki
Motor Corporation increases its stake in Maruti to 54.2 percent.