Suzuki eyes neighbouring countries for expansion

Bangalore, Sep 18: Late entrant in the Indian two wheeler market, Suzuki will export its products to the neighbouring countries.

Talking to newspersons today, Suzuki Motorcycle India Joint Managing Director Katsumi 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 the 18-month-old company was exporting 100 motor cycles to Nepal per month. It was also looking to establish markets in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

He said the company's primary aim was to establish its brand in India, besides making a foray in South East Asia, Africa and South America.

The company had invested Rs 300 crore in its Indian manufacturing arm in Gurgaon and expanded its capacity to 1,70,000 units per annum. The company would investment Rs 500 crore to increase the unit's production capacity to 5,00,000 vehicles, over the next few years.

At present, the company was utilising only 75 per cent of its capacity, he said.

Mr Takataan said it planned to roll out one model and build up sufficient models to increase its market share to four per cent from the current one per cent, over the next few years.

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

UNI