Key Points

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled advanced safety features under its NEXA and ARENA Safety Shield initiatives. The company now offers six airbags, ESP, and pedestrian protection as standard in many models. Partho Banerjee highlights Maruti's leadership in democratizing safety features across segments. The new Dzire's 5-star BNCAP rating further cements its safety credentials.

Key Points: Maruti Suzuki Boosts Safety with NEXA and ARENA Shield Features

  • Maruti Suzuki launches NEXA and ARENA Safety Shield with six airbags and ESP
  • Features include reverse parking and pedestrian impact protection
  • Company invests in R&D with 50+ crash tests per model
  • New Dzire achieves 5-star BNCAP safety rating
3 min read

Maruti Suzuki raises bar on safety, unveils new advanced features

Maruti Suzuki introduces advanced safety features like six airbags and ESP across models, reinforcing its commitment to safer mobility in India.

"We are the first company to introduce six airbags in more than 140 variants. – Partho Banerjee, Maruti Suzuki"

New Delhi, August 10

As part of its commitment to safer mobility, Maruti Suzuki has introduced a series of advanced safety features across its vehicle portfolio under the newly unveiled NEXA Safety Shield and ARENA Safety Shield initiatives.

The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the NEXA retail channel, reaffirming the company's pledge to enhance customer safety. NEXA was launched in 2015 to bring a premium automotive retail experience to its discerning customers in India.

The Safety Shield packages across NEXA and ARENA include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with Hill Hold Assist, reverse parking systems, three-point ELR seat belts and seat belt reminder, ISOFIX child anchorages, and pedestrian impact protection.

The company also emphasises road safety through educational programmes, enforcement support, and emergency care initiatives.

Over the years, Maruti Suzuki democratised safety in India, offering features like ESC and six airbags across a broad range -- from entry-level hatchbacks to premium SUVs.

Recent innovations include a 360-degree camera, heads-up display, electronic parking brake with auto-hold in New Invicto, front parking assist, and the unveiling of Level 2 ADAS in the eVITARA.

Maruti Suzuki's Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), Partho Banerjee, said safety has always been a strategic priority for the company.

"In FY 2024-25, we made significant strides in enhancing vehicle safety, with features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP) now standard across all models, and six airbags introduced as standard in 14 models."

He added that the dual-channel Safety Shield rollout reflects the company's aim to anticipate evolving customer needs and deliver technologically advanced solutions that inspire confidence on the road.

"We are the first company to introduce six airbags in more than 140 variants. It's a mammoth job, which we have done. Generally, the perception was that Maruti vehicles are safe or not. Today, we have showcased that it's not only the six airbags, but there are more than that, including the active and the passive safety features, which comprise the ARENA safety shield and the NEXA safety shield. We are offering one of the best safety standard vehicles, and the so-called doubts that are there in the minds of the consumers just need to be taken off," he told ANI.

Maruti Suzuki's investment in safety extends beyond vehicles.

The company operates a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Rohtak, developed for Rs 3,800 crore, where each model undergoes over 50 crash tests, including the controlled crash of around 30 vehicles, before launch.

Its safety credentials were bolstered when the all-new Dzire became the first sedan in India to achieve a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). At the same time, the Baleno secured a 4-star rating.

By combining rigorous testing, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive safety education, Maruti Suzuki aims to set new benchmarks in vehicle safety, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This is a game-changer for Indian roads where safety often takes a backseat. My father always preferred Maruti for mileage, now we can consider it for safety too. The 6 airbags standard is impressive!
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Aman W
Hope this doesn't make the cars too expensive for middle-class families. Safety is important but affordability matters too in India. Maybe government should give some tax benefits for safer cars?
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Priyanka N
As a mother, I'm most happy about the ISOFIX child anchorages becoming standard. So many Indian parents don't use proper child seats. This will help change that mentality. Safety begins at home!
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Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I'm skeptical about implementation. Will these safety features work as promised in real Indian road conditions? We need more transparency in crash test data.
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Karthik V
Great initiative! But safety isn't just about car features - we need better driver education too. Many Indians still don't wear seatbelts or follow traffic rules. Maruti's educational programs are equally important.
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Nisha Z
Finally catching up to global standards! I've driven Marutis abroad with better safety ratings. Good to see them bringing the same commitment to Indian customers. The 360

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