'India Suzuki's most critical market': Toshihiro Suzuki

TOKYO: Looking to reclaim 50% share of the Indian market, Japanese carmaker Suzuki Motor Corporation - parent of Maruti Suzuki - said on Wednesday it will launch 10 new cars in the country by 2030-31, which will include eight SUVs.

Suzuki will also be ramping up its clean energy push in India, with plans to invest in compressed biogas (CBG) projects, aimed at cutting oil imports and supporting carbon neutrality goals.The company is beefing up its product portfolio, especially in SUV segment. It is aiming to bring its market share, currently at 38%, back to pre-pandemic level of around 50%. "India is Suzuki's most critical market and we have big plans for India," automaker's president Toshihiro Suzuki said at the Japan Mobility Show here.

"We remain committed to achieving a 50% share and becoming No.1 in EV production, sales and exports... We are bringing products and technologies to fulfil aspirations of people ... from entry-level to large SUVs and MPVs," Suzuki said. He said the push would bring multiple powertrains to India, including hybrids, compressed natural gas and biogas-powered cars.The company has plans to make India a hub for production of some of its models, in lines of approach it adopted with its first electric eVitara, which is first being exported. Suzuki said it will partner with Amul, Banas Dairy and the NDDB to set up nine biogas plants in Gujarat by 2027. "These plants will contribute to India's energy security and climate goals."