Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) was established in February 1981 through an Act of Parliament. The Government of India chose to enter into a joint venture with the Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan holding 26 per cent stake, due to Suzuki's unparalleled expertise in small cars, in October 1982. Maruti Suzuki was submitted the task of modernizing the Indian automobile industry by producing fuel-efficient vehicles in large volumes. Within a record time of 13 months, Maruti Suzuki rolled out its first car in December 1983.