Suzuki to export two wheelers to neighbouring countries

Bangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) Late entrant in the Indian two wheeler market, Suzuki aims to export its products to neighbouring countries and has already made an initial beginning in Nepal.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Joint Managing Director Katsumi Takata told newsmen here today that the 18 month old company was exporting 100 motor cycles to Nepal per month and aimed to establish its market there. It was also looking to penetrate markets in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he added.

However, he said the primary aim of the company was to establish its brand in India, besides making a foray in South East Asia, Africa and even South America, Mr Takata said.

Suzuki had so far invested Rs.300 crore in its Indian manufacturing arm in Gurgaon and expanded its capacity to 170,000 units per annum. Over the next few years the company would complete its investment plan of Rs.500 crore with a capacity of producing 500,000 vehicles. Currently the Company was utilising only 75 per cent of its capacity, he said.

Mr Takata who was here for the launch of Suzuki's first scooter in India -- Access 125, an auto gear vehicle in addition to two of its Motor Cycle models, said that the company planned to roll out one model ever six months and build up sufficient models to increase its market share to four per cent over the next few years from the current one per cent. The company also planned to aggressively mount its marketing strategy to establish its brand name in the country.

Suzuki, which ended its tie up with TVS Motor Company five years ago, started its own production unit 18 months ago.

UNI