Suzuki may use Indian 2 wheeler unit as global export hub

Suzuki Motor Corporation may use India as an export hub for its mass segment two-wheelers, which has been launched by its Indian subsidiary Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd (SMIPL). SMIPL National Head-Marketing Anu Anamika said here on Tuesday that “Yes, this is possible, but I cannot tell you which part of the country this would be located.” Ms. Anamika, who was here on the occasion of the launch of SMIPL's first mass segment motorcycle (in the 100-110cc category), The Hayate, said this in response to a question on this issue. Exports to neighbouring countries have already commenced from the Gurgaon plant and this is proposed to be stepped up in future with exports to Southeast Asian countries, too. The Gurgaon unit, on which a Rs.400-crore investment has been made since the company commenced operations at this unit in 2006, has an annual capacity of 3.6 lakh units (of scooters and motorcycles). This will be ramped up to 5.4 lakh units by 2013-14 when investment would increase to Rs.500 crore, according to Ms. Anamika. Indications were that by 2014-15, the capacity would be raised to 10 lakh units per annum. This may be through the setting up of a new unit at Rohtak where SMIPL shares space with Maruti Suzuki. SMIPL has a 22 per cent share in the Indian scooter market and 2 per cent in the motorcycle segment. Atul Gupta, Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), said that the 100-110 cc motorcycle market was a promising one and the launch of Hayate was an opportunity for addressing emerging markets in small-town clusters and in rural and semi-urban markets. Ms. Anamika said that a monthly sales target of 10,000 units had been fixed for Hayate and the dealership network would be doubled by 2014 to help fulfil this target.