Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation.Maruti Suzuki refuses to write-off small, affordable cars in India, despite onslaught of SUVs, that have cornered 50%-plus share in sales, almost double to that of hatchbacks. Toshihiro Suzuki, chairman of Maruti’s Japanese parent Suzuki Motor, insists small cars are not going anywhere and will be a credible option for over a billion Indians, who are upgrading from two-wheelers to cars. He says a day may not be far when an Indian will lead not only the company’s local operations here, but even Suzuki’s global business. Excerpts from an interview to TOI.
SUVs are dominant theme in India. What future do you see for small, affordable cars as sales dip?
I don’t think small cars would cease to exist. There are still a billion Indians who are likely to shift from 2-wheelers to a car. They would need an affordable and a good small car.
How do you see growing competition. Tata’s Punch SUV was the largest selling car in India in 2024...
India has emerged as the third-largest auto market and hence is a focus for the entire (automotive) world. Competition is getting tougher. Maruti Suzuki would like to respond by putting greater efforts through products, services, and marketing. Maruti and Suzuki will hold hands tightly to sustain our top market share.
Can we see an Indian become MD of Maruti Suzuki against a Japanese expat?
It is quite possible that an Indian can become MD and president of Maruti Suzuki. Also, it is quite possible that an Indian can become the president of Suzuki Japan.
You launch your first EV (unveiling at Delhi’s Bharat Mobility Show) when sales have moderated globally. Are you revising targets for electrics?
EV market is sluggish globally. But in India, there is a potential and EV sales will grow. There have been early birds who launched before us, and we studied those products and also EV functions. We are using an exclusive platform for developing EVs. We have addressed the issue of charging by providing that facility at service stations... we would like to capture the customer voice and this is how we want to go ahead with EV expansion.
However, we feel that India is a big country and there are many vehicle types running here. Therefore, it’s very difficult to standardise one option. Our aim is to reduce CO2 emissions through different mobility solutions. We will launch vehicles aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.
Will India become production base for EVs, and will you export the cars?
For EVs, India will be the global production hub. First, we will export to Europe, then to Japan, and then to the world. Not just EVs, India will be an export hub for current hybrid vehicles. Indian manufacturing quality is now accepted in other parts of the world
Will there be electrics in small cars?
In EVs, it will be best to use compact vehicles. First, one has to master proper manufacturing techniques. Once we grasp it fully, we would then like to shift to small car EVs.