Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Vitara Brezza waiting period likely to extend due to production suspension

The production suspension at Maruti Suzuki's plants in Manesar and Gurgaon from Sunday (June 29) afternoon to Wednesday (June 1) afternoon is likely to impact on the waiting period of its popular models such as the Baleno and Vitara Brezza.

According to a report in ET Auto, the production suspension over the Subros plant fire may lead to extension of waiting period of the Vitara Brezza that already commands a waiting period of seven months to nine months. The popular hatchback Baleno currently commands over six months of waiting period in India. The Vitara Brezza has bookings of over 75,000 now, while over 50,000 Baleno customers are waiting for the delivery.

Maruti Suzuki produces close to 2,500 units of cars in each shift from both the plants collectively. The total production loss by the suspension has been calculated close to 10,000 units. Though the production at the Gurgaon facility resumed on Wednesday, operation in full swing at the Manesar plant will start only after a couple of days. Certain operations in the Manesar campus, including casting and manufacture of transmissions, will also resume in the second half on Wednesday, Maruti Suzuki said in a statement.

The production suspension may also disturb the supply of the Baleno to international markets as the vehicle is only manufactured in India. The company recently reduced the production of the Swift and the Swift DZire models to roll out more units of the Baleno and the Vitara Brezza to keep the waiting period in check. With the latest development, it remains to be seen whether the company will be able to deliver cars on time for prospective customers.