Toshihiro Suzuki: Wants to regain 50% market share

Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki recently discussed the company’s future direction, including its technological advancements and mobility vision. Suzuki was addressing the media ahead of this year’s Bharat Mobile Expo, scheduled to be held from January 17 to 22. Starting tomorrow, the event will mark a major milestone for Maruti Suzuki as the company enters the EV market with the launch of its first all-electric car – an electric model, the e-Vitara. Highlights of the meeting are summarized below.

Ambition and market share in India’s SUV segment

Maruti Suzuki has set an ambitious target to regain 50% market share in India’s highly competitive SUV segment. The company recognizes that it is late to market and is actively pursuing this goal through strategic investments and innovative product launches. To support this growth, Maruti Suzuki plans to significantly increase annual production capacity to 4 million units.

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In addition to its SUV ambitions, Suzuki has also highlighted its commitment to sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. This commitment is reflected in the exploration of various environmentally friendly technologies such as hybrid powertrains, CNG, CBG (compressed biogas), hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles.

Through these technological advancements, Suzuki aims to contribute to a cleaner, greener future while meeting stringent global emissions standards. The Suzuki president also emphasized the important role Toyota plays in the company’s business strategy. Despite being rivals in the global automotive industry, Suzuki and Toyota collaborate on various technological innovations. Suzuki recognized Toyota’s technological prowess and used the partnership to fill its own technological gaps. This unique partnership enables both companies to remain competitive and strengthen their positions in global markets.

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The e-Vitara is Maruti Suzuki’s first electric car in India and represents a key turning point in the company’s foray into electric mobility. Interestingly, Toyota is also developing its own Urban Cruiser EV, which will share a platform with the upcoming Maruti Suzuki EV. The India-specific e Vitara is expected to be available in two battery options: 49kWh (front-wheel drive) and 61kWh (front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive), with a range of over 500 kilometers on a single charge.