Suzuki doubts feasibility of Tata's one-lakh car

New Delhi, Dec 11 (UNI) In the wake of stricter safety and environmental norms, Suzuki Corp Chief Executive O Suzuki today expressed doubts at Rs one-lakh car and questioned the feasibility of producing such a car.

''We cannot comment on any plans of other manufacturers to produce a one lakh ruppe car or a 3,000 dollar car and we have no plans of producing such a car,'' said Mr Suzuki.

Mr Suzuki first expressed his doubts about Tata's car at a meeting organised by industry chamber FICCI where he questioned the responsibility of an auto manufacturer in cases where a cheaper car is produced by sacrificing safety and emission norms.

Responding to Mr Suzuki's statement, a Tata Motors statement said it was conscious of its responsibilities.

''As an auto manufacturer of more than 60 years standing, Tata Motors is conscious of its responsibilities, and all its vehicles have met all the norms and regulations of the countries where they are marketed in,'' a Tata Motors statement said.

Mr Suzuki's statements comes amidst growing voices of doubt over Tata's car.

Can a car be developed at such a price level, meet the current safety and emission norms Hyundai Moto India Ltd President B V R Subbu had earlier said.

''It will be an unbeatable product if the car meets global safety and emission norms. We do not think one can develop a car at Rs one lakh which meets international safety and emission norms,'' Mr Subbu had said.

Later in the day, while announcing the launch of its concept car A Star, Mr Suzuki refused to comment on Tata's or Renaults 3,000 dollar car.

''We do not know the details of 3,000 dollar. Is it the part cost? Is it the retail cost...what are the safety norms, what is the emission norm..does it include air bags?'' Mr Suzuki questioned said.

UNI