Maruti Suzuki and achievements seem to be synonyms as India’s most loved hatchback Swift has crossed 5 million sales units worldwide. It took 11 years and 5 months to achieve this milestone; Swift began its journey in early 2004 in Japan followed by India in 2005. The good thing is that India accounts 54 percent of the total sales and 2.7 million Swift and Dzire compact sedan sold so far while Europe contributes 17% and Japan 10%.
The hatchback is produced seven countries across the globe including Japan, Hungary, China, Pakistan, India, Thailand etc and sold in over 140 countries. Launched in 2005, the car still holds 4th Spot in the top 10 monthly sales chart of March 2016 which is quite phenomenal. Apart from the love received from the customers it has also won many awards globally including Indian car of the year award in 2005 and 2011.
In India, Swift is available in both diesel and petrol engines- a 1.2 l VVT petrol developing 83bhp and 115Nm while other is a 1.3l DDis diesel engine that is good for 74bhp power and 190Nm of torque. Both the engines are linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox. In International markets, it is offered with standard and dual jet petrol mill along with AWD version.
The Sub-4m sedan version of the hatchback- Swift Dzire which was launched in 2008 is India’s best selling sedan for the last three year in a row. It has been dominating and ruling its segment since its launch which further rocket fueled by increase in efficiency during the recent update.
Let’s have a glance at year wise milestone analysis of Swift:-
| November 2004 | First Gen Swift is introduced as world Strategic model |
| February 2005 | Production began in Hungary |
| May 2005 | Production begins in India |
| June 2005 | Production begins in China |
| May 2007 | Production begins in Malaysia |
| June 2008 | Cumulative worldwide production touch one million units |
| November 2009 | Production begins in Pakistan |
| September 2010 | New Swift launched in Japan |
| January 2011 | Cumulative worldwide sales reach two million units |
| March 2012 | Production begins in Thailand |
| January 2013 | Cumulative worldwide sales reach three million units |
| January 2014 | Production begins in Vietnam |
| August 2014 | Cumulative worldwide sales surpass four million units |
| April 2016 | Cumulative worldwide sales touch five million units |
Despite more than a decade old model, the swift is still going very strong and there are several reasons behind it like boxy design, decent performer, excellent handler and segment leading fuel efficiency. The carmaker is now looking to introduce new Gen model which is scheduled for next year.
