Maruti phased out its top-selling 800 last year after it decided not to make the 26-year old model BS4 compliant. However, it refuses to fade away completely and has now become successful (again) in the Egyptian and Algerian markets. A Business Standard report says that MSIL exported 8300 units of the 800 in October 2012 of which 7800 were sold in Egypt and Algeria alone.

“M800 exports have risen largely because of the boom in demand in markets such as Egypt and Algeria in Africa. The economic and demographic profile of consumers there are similar to the customer base for M800 in India. Our cars have a strong brand appeal there, which translates into strong sales,” said Shashank Srivastava, executive director (international business development). 

We had reported earlier that MSIL was focussing on its exports to non-European countries to counter a weakening Yen. It is likely that this development will aid their efforts and give the Indo-Japanese automakers longest serving soldier a second lease on the road.  

 Source: Business Standard