Report - Production of the Suzuki Splash (Maruti Ritz) ceased in Europe

The plant will start making the new Vitara SUV next year. 

Suzuki's European plant located in Hungary has ceased production of the Splash (Maruti Ritz) and the older SX4 5-door model. The factory has been operating on a single shift instead of the usual two shifts since these models went out of production.

From early 2015, this plant will start making the Vitara SUV which was revealed at the Paris Motor Show this month. Hence, the plant will resume its two shift operation.

At the moment, Suzuki has no plans to directly replace the Splash, which was launched in Europe in 2008. Instead, the company is testing its all-new premium hatchback (codenamed 'Maruti YRA' in India, and speculatively called the New Suzuki Baleno in Europe) which is reported to enter Indian production in the second half of 2015.

Also read: Maruti Swift facelift's interior spied in India

In contrast to the Splash which was positioned parallel the Swift, the new hatchback will be priced above the Swift, and would be pitched as a key rival to the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Nissan Pulsar. Little is known about the new YRA, but early reports indicate that it will use the S-Cross's platform, and debut a new 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine.

[Source - AutoNews]