Changan Suzuki stops production of old Alto model

Shanghai, October 8 (Gasgoo.com) Changan Suzuki has confirmed that it stopped production of the existing Alto model in July to reverse the slide in its small car sales, said Yangtze Daily today. The all-new Suzuki Alto is expected to be made by this joint venture in September 2009.

The low-priced Alto mini-car made by Changan Suzuki had sold well in medium- and small-size Chinese cities. But not upgraded for many years, this small car model couldn't meet China's new emission standards in place. This led to the shrinking sales of the Alto car, and Changan Suzuki was forced to discontinue the making of this model.

Changan Suzuki said it still has an inventory of about 5,000 Alto cars, which the company believes will be sold out by the end of this year. Meanwhile, the joint venture has produced enough spare parts to ensure a 10-year supply of components for the repair and maintenance of current Alto owners in China.

Suzuki Motor showcased its seventh-generation Alto at the ongoing 2008 Paris Motor Show this month as the world premiere of the all-new Alto model. The all-new Suzuki Alto will also be produced in Suzuki's Chinese joint venture Changan Suzuki by September 2009, Chongqing Morning Post said last week.

The seventh-generation Alto, as Suzuki's all-new upgraded version, will be powered by the Suzuki-developed 1.0L aluminium petrol engine which meets Euro V emissions standards. It combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

Changan Suzuki launched its Tianyu SX4-Sport car in the Chinese market in mid-June this year, with a dealer's price of 100,888 yuan ($14,700). Only 300 units of the model are available in the initial sales stage.