31 December, 2007 : Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSIL) is all set to step out of the shadow and take on the role that Suzuki alone was handling for some time now – designing new cars. Maruti made a humble beginning in the 80s and is all set to start designing new cars at its Indian facility.

The news is that the first car designed by Maruti Suzuki will be ready for launch by 2010. Before taking up this ambitious project, Maruti Suzuki did a lot of homework. The company is, at present, in the process of providing high-end training in design and research-related capabilities.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has already announced that they will make an investment of Rs 1,750 Crore in the coming three years to set-up a research and development facility at Manesar. Suzuki and MSIL have recently collaborated to develop a new concept hatchback car called A-Star. The upcoming Auto Expo in January 2008 in India will present this car first.