Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) on Friday (26^th December) said it has started exporting the newly-launched compact car ‘A-Star’ to Europe. This was a historic step towards making India an export hub of small cars.

 

The first consignment of ‘A-star’ for export has been dispatched in specially designed auto-wagon rakes from Gurgaon railway station, located close to its manufacturing facility at Manesar, for Mundra port in Gujarat, from where it would be shipped to Europe.

 

MSIL has signed a long-term agreement with Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone Limited (MPSEZL) and invested in developing the new port and dedicated car handling facility at Mundra port.

 

MSIL had set a target of exporting one lakh units of A-Star annually as part of its programme to export a total of two lakh units by 2010-11. Suzuki has chosen India as an exclusive base for manufacturing and export of A-Star to major European markets.

 

Taking about the auto-wagons, Mr. Singh said it would add up to Maruti Suzuki’s capacity to handle large-scale transportation of cars. Indian Railways has developed two auto-wagon rakes, each consisting of 45 wagons has capacity of holding 270 cars.