Suzuki Alto Banned on Motorway: Safety Concerns Rise
The suspension of Wagon R bookings and the upgrade of Alto's safety features reflect the company's efforts to respond to changing consumer preferences and safety concerns, with the Alto's affordability and low running costs still making it a popular choice, despite its safety limitations.
Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd has suspended bookings for all variants of the Wagon R hatchback, citing declining sales, while the Suzuki Alto's production of the VX variant will be halted due to safety concerns, but it is not banned on motorways as rumored.
The Wagon R, introduced in 2014, has seen a significant decline in sales, with only 1,608 units sold between July 2024 and February 2025, compared to 2,285 units during the same period the previous year. This decline is in contrast to other Suzuki models, which have shown stronger sales. The company has informed its dealers to advise sales teams and potential customers of the suspension.
On the other hand, the Suzuki Alto, a popular choice for its affordability and low running costs, has raised safety concerns due to its fragile build, which has been exposed in numerous accidents. However, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has not banned the Alto from motorways. The company has decided to upgrade the safety features of the Alto, including dual airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, which is a step in the right direction.
The future of the Alto depends on how well it adapts to the evolving demands of safety-conscious consumers. Pak Suzuki's decision to prioritize safety features is a positive move, and it remains to be seen how the company will balance affordability with safety in its future models.