Bearing chassis number 319832, the milestone car for the company comes exactly a day before Japanese Prime Minister Jonichiro Koizumi begins his India visit.

Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp holds 54.2 per cent stake in MUL, which today offers as many as 40 variants of the eleven models it sells, right from entry-level 'Maruti 800' to mid-size 'Baleno' and SUV 'Grand Vitara'.

"Maruti's five millionth vehicle is a milestone not just for Maruti, but also for India and Indian manufacturing. The original Maruti vision of providing a 'people s car',

articulated over two decades ago, has helped transform the Indian manufacturing landscape and touched the lives of millions of Indians," Khattar company managing director said.

"This red WagonR symbolises the collective efforts and aspirations of Maruti employees, our suppliers, dealers, service workshops, marketing partners and above all, our customers," he added.

The first Maruti vehicle, a Maruti 800 model, rolled out on December 14, 1983, and thereafter the company changed the face of the Indian automobile industry. The company crossed the first million mark on March, 1994, and it touched four-million in April 2003.

The company, which still maintains a leadership position in the Indian market after years of unparalleled dominance, has of late seen challenge not only from Japanese and Korean carmakers, Hyundai in particular, but also from home grown player Tata Motors [Get Quote].

Maruti-Suzuki recently announced investments to the tune of Rs 3,272 crore to set up another manufacturing plant and an engine and transmission facility in India.