Maruti Suzuki India's Contribution To Suzuki's Global Production Will Go Beyond 60 Per Cent: R C Bhargava

In the last fiscal, Suzuki group produced about 28 lakh automobiles all over the world, out of which more than 16 lakh units, or about 60 per cent, were produced in India

R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India, on Wednesday hinted at rejig in the organisation going forward in the backdrop of the company's increased contribution to parent Suzuki Motor Corporation's overall global business, reported PTI.

Bhargava, in his address to the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company, said the future Maruti Suzuki India's contribution to Suzuki's global production will go beyond 60 per cent, which was achieved last year. This the first physical meeting after two years following disruptions by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the report.

Bhargava said that the company will chalk out strategy for entering the compressed biomethane gas fuel as suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the company's 40th year celebrations in Gandhinagar on Sunday.

Maruti Suzuki is "immediately looking into this area because it has enormous potential for the country" as a source of energy, it is not only renewable but extremely clean, he said.

While referring to a statement by Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki, he said, "It's clear that Maruti has become a very, very important part of Suzuki Japan."

In the last fiscal, Suzuki group produced about 28 lakh automobiles all over the world, out of which more than 16 lakh units, or about 60 per cent, were produced in India.

He further said Suzuki's announcement to set up a wholly-owned research and development company in India also comes at a time of Maruti's growing importance in Suzuki's operations. "... Which raises in my mind also the fact that with the growing volumes of production in India, the growing importance of India, the availability of capable manpower in India, do we not need now to look at how we are organising in India to deal with (future growth)?... ," he said.

From a challenge to achieve two million units a year this fiscal to three million units possibly in a few years, the company needs to prepare for its future, he added.

"What is the most efficient way of preparing for the future in all areas of production or sales and marketing or R&D? I think we can all now apply ourselves and think of the future and see what must ensure your company grows in the most efficient manner in the coming years," Bhargava said, while adding, "I hope that when we come up with any changes in the future, we will have your backing and support." He, however, did not elaborate much on the changes.

On electric vehicles, Bhargava said when Maruti enters the EV segment in 2024-25, it will be in the upper-end of the market and not the lower-end.

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