India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has taken a meaningful step towards accessible mobility by introducing a Swivel Seat option in its popular WagonR hatchback. Designed especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, this feature makes getting in and out of the car safer and more comfortable.
India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, has once again taken a major initiative for the benefit of the masses. The company has introduced a Swivel Seat option in its popular hatchback WagonR. This feature has been specially designed for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, ensuring they do not face difficulty while getting into or stepping out of the car.
According to Maruti Suzuki, the aim of this initiative is to extend the joy of mobility to as many people as possible. The WagonR is already among India’s top-selling cars, and by adding a feature like the Swivel Seat, the company is attempting to make accessible mobility a mainstream offering.
The Swivel Seat is a specially designed seat that rotates outward when the door is opened. This allows elderly and differently-abled passengers to sit comfortably without bending too much or exerting extra effort. Once the passenger is seated, the seat rotates back and locks securely into its original position. This feature is particularly helpful for people suffering from knee, back, or leg-related issues.
Makes getting in and out of the car easier
No need to replace the original OEM seat
Installation takes approximately 1 hour
3-year warranty against any manufacturing defect
No modification to the car’s body or structural design
Maruti Suzuki has currently rolled out the WagonR Swivel Seat as a pilot project. The facility is available at over 200 ARENA dealerships across 11 cities. Based on customer feedback and response, the company plans to expand this offering to more cities in the future.
Customers can order the Swivel Seat along with a new WagonR. Additionally, existing WagonR owners can also opt for this feature as a retrofit kit. The Swivel Seat installation is available exclusively through Maruti Suzuki ARENA dealerships.
For this initiative, Maruti Suzuki has partnered with Bengaluru-based startup TRUEAssist Technology Private Limited. This collaboration has been carried out under the company’s Startup Incubation Program with NSRCEL–IIM Bangalore. TRUEAssist has designed the Swivel Seat keeping Indian road conditions and customer needs in mind.
The WagonR Swivel Seat kit has been safety-tested by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) and meets all mandatory safety standards. The installation process does not compromise the car’s safety or overall performance.
Maruti Suzuki MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi stated that the Swivel Seat will make daily travel easier for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. By offering this feature in a popular model like the WagonR, the company aims to extend accessible mobility to a wider section of society.