Japanese auto maker Suzuki Motor Corp (SMC) will launch a new ‘global car’ in India and locate its biggest production units in the country, company chairman Osamu Suzuki said in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The new car, referred to as a ‘global car’ by the company, would be made at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd’s (MSIL) plant near the capital. Suzuki owns 54.2 per cent stake in MSIL.
The car would be targeted primarily at the European market and is expected to be launched in the small car segment, officials said.
“In order to cope with the more intensifying competition, Maruti will make further investments in the field of not only manufacturing but also R&D (research and development) and sales,” Suzuki said.
Osamu Suzuki is currently on a three-day visit to India. He is expected to highlight the increasing significance of India, which is gradually emerging as one of the company’s most important markets after Japan.
“Both our plants (Gurgaon and Manesar in Haryana) are totally geared up to produce one million units a year by 2010, but our sales network needs to be strengthened which remains one of our weak areas,” Suzuki said, adding that the company is keen to invest over $1 billion in R&D in India.
Swedish truckmaker Volvo AB reached a tentative deal with Indian automaker Eicher Motors Ltd. Monday to set up a joint venture that will combine the companies’ truck and bus businesses in India.
