The Economy

Suzuki Plans to Build R&D Facility in India

Aug. 27, 2009

Carmaker's subsidiary is on target to produce a made-in-India vehicle by 2012, company says.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp., plans to build an R&D facility in India, where the company boasts that it holds more than half of the car market.

The company said that it recently signed an agreement with government officials for a 700-acre plot of land in Rohtak, near Delhi. According to Suzuki, the proposed complex will include a crash-test facility, emission labs, a wind tunnel, test tracks and a 100-acre park for vendors.

The company expects the facility to be completed by 2015, with the text tracks completed by 2012.

Suzuki said that it aims for Maruti Suzuki to become its "global R&D hub for small cars" and noted that the Indian subsidiary is on target to launch a made-in-India car by 2012.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.