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Suzuki meets Joshi, discusses MUL's plans

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Feb. 25

THE President and Chief Executive Officer of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) of Japan, Mr. O. Suzuki, today met officials at the Industry Ministry and the Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Mr. Manohar Joshi, and discussed the automobil e policy and the future plans of Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) - the 50:50 joint venture between the Government and SMC.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. T.S.Vijayaraghavan, Secretary, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Mr. Jagdish Khattar, Managing Director of MUL, and Mr. Pradip Kumar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry. During the deliberations, the Minister is s aid to have called for better and more dynamic market responses by SMC, by providing better technology inputs for MUL, particularly in view of the highly competitive nature of the automobile market in the country.

An official release said that in turn, the CEO of the Japanese automobile major, Mr. Suzuki, assured the Minister that MUL is fully geared to meet the challenges arising out of the changing customer preferences in India. He has also pointed out that effo rts have been made to produce environmentally friendly passenger cars and to provide sophisticated and latest customer friendly features in most of the models offered by the company.

MUL is also constantly working on maintaining the prices of its vehicles at competitive levels to cater to all segments of the market, Mr. Suzuki has said. He is also expected to have expressed confidence on further penetrating the market in the country with the launch of the Suzuki Wagon-R and the Baleno.

However, official confirmation could not be obtained as to whether the issue of an equity dilution by the Government in favour of SMC was discussed.

According to MUL, the SMC CEO's visit is primarily to attend an all India dealer and vendor conference that is being held in the capital. Mr. Suzuki is scheduled to depart to Japan later during this week.

Pic.: Mr. O. Suzuki, Chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation, calling on Mr. Manohar Joshi, Union Minister for Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises, in the Capital on Friday.