Maruti Suzuki introduces A-Star at Rs 3,46,775

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Even as the auto industry is struggling to meet its sales target, the country's largest auto manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Ltd today rolled out its latest offering, A-Star, at a price of Rs 3,46,775 (ex-showroom Delhi).

''This is Suzuki's fifth strategic model and will be manufactured in India only,'' company Chairman R C Bhargava told reporters here.

The vehicle, which is to be produced at the company's Manesar plant, is available in three variants with nine colours.

As announced earlier, the company will commence the export of A-star to Europe in early next year.

The prices for other variants will go up to Rs 4.12 lakh.

The company targets to sell about 50,000 units in the Indian market and one lakh units abroad.

Maruti claims that according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the A-Star delivers a mileage of 19.59 km per litre.

The auto industry, which witnessed a decline of 6.59 per cent in sales in October, is struggling to sell car in the year-end as most customers have postponed their purchase plans.

MSI is hoping that the novelty factor associated with its 5th global model will help in overcoming the challenge.

The A-Star will be the latest in a series of global models that Suzuki, MSI's Japanese parent, has launched over the past few years and will be manufactured solely in India.

A star will exported to 150 countries across Europe, Middle east , Latin America, Asia, Australia, and Africa, under the brand name of Suzuki Alto and Suzuki Celerio.

UNI AK MP AS1540