Mumbai, India —  Maruti Suzuki Swift was awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2010 Aspirational Car of the Year Award in Segment B. The award was received by Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.

The Frost & Sullivan ‘Aspirational Car of the Year’ Award is conferred to a manufacturer based on a structured research process and by evaluating the performance of its products by end users. The “Voice of Customer” survey recognizes an OEM that has launched the best models across various segments of passenger vehicles, satisfied aspiring needs, and been rated high for its achievement in “Excellence in Technology and Innovation”.

In addition to the methodology followed, specific criteria were used to determine the final ranking of competitors in the industry. The recipient of this Award had to excel in one or more of the following criteria:

• Improvement in customer satisfaction levels
• Reduced churn rate
• Reduction in operational costs while maintaining high levels of satisfaction
• Imitation by competitors

The recipient company is known for the economical pricing of its vehicles and fuel efficiency, and the Award-winning model is no exception. The Award has been conferred upon the smart and compact hatchback “Maruti Suzuki Swift” for its outstanding contribution to the industry as the most “Aspirational” car under the Segment B category.

Maruti Suzuki Swift is a truly global vehicle. It is built with typical Japanese precision, attention to detail, tested for unique Indian road conditions and customer requirements. Maruti Suzuki Swift is an example of the growing recognition for Indian intellectual and engineering capabilities. Maruti Suzuki’s R&D capability, evident time and again in its efforts to upgrade existing models, has attained a new definition with Maruti Suzuki Swift.

Maruti Suzuki Swift gives the feel of a sporty drive, has excellent engine responsiveness, handles well, and has shock absorbers built exclusively for Indian road conditions. The front end of the car features vertically stacked headlamps, a raised bonnet line that meets new pedestrian safety norms, well-defined muscular wheel arches, a waistline that runs through the length of the car, and chunky C-pillars that make the car look like a state-of-the-art design as it gets closer.

Maruti Suzuki’s Swift diesel model houses a next generation DDiS engine with a 16-valve cylinder head for more power and higher engine response, leading to a smoother drive. It boasts of a combination of Turbocharger, Intercooler, and a Double Overhead Camshaft for high performance. Swift houses the latest Chain Drive Timing System engine, which is maintenance-free for its entire life cycle.

Presenting the award, Mr. V.G.Ramakrishnan, Senior Director, Automotive and Transportation, South Asia, Middle East & North Africa, Frost & Sullivan, said, “Maruti Suzuki Swift’s concept-car-like styling with an excellent build quality influences the purchase decisions of Indian vehicle owners. Its low maintenance cost and active safety features make it an attractive buy and value-for-money, despite close competition from various other models in the same price and segment.”

Receiving the award Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Swift is one of the most important brand for us. It has been a great success story for Maruti Suzuki and the Indian Automotive Industry. With its radical styling, sporty drive and advance features it has taken the customer expectations to a new level, creating an all new segment. It is heartening to see Swift get this most “Aspirational” car award. The Swift continues to be the most popular and aspirational car for the customers.