India’s low car density offers immense growth potential for automakers, making the country an attractive market for global players, according to Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki. Speaking to ANI, Takeuchi highlighted that India’s car density stands at approximately 35 vehicles per 1,000 people, far below the 600 per 1,000 seen in the US and Europe.
“If you compare India’s car density with Japan or the United States, the number of cars per 1,000 people here is still very low, while developed markets like Europe or the U.S. have over 600 cars per 1,000 people. This presents a huge opportunity in India, making it a crucial market that everyone wants to enter,” he explained.
Maruti Suzuki is ramping up production to meet growing demand in India and abroad. Takeuchi shared updates on the company’s new manufacturing facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana, which is set to commence production in April next year. The plant will have an eventual production capacity of one million units annually.
“With this addition, our production capacity in Haryana will reach two million units. In Gujarat, we plan to expand capacity to two million units as well. Combined, Maruti Suzuki will be able to produce four million cars annually, meeting the demands of both the Indian and export markets,” Takeuchi said.
Maruti Suzuki is also gearing up to make a significant entry into the electric vehicle segment. After the global premiere of its first electric SUV in Milan, Italy, the company plans to showcase the model at the Bharat Mobility Global Auto Show in January. “At this event, we’ll introduce not only our first electric SUV but also the supporting ecosystem.” Takeuchi revealed.
Adding to its portfolio, Maruti Suzuki recently unveiled an updated version of its popular sedan, the Dzire, available in petrol and S-CNG variants. Priced between ₹679,000 and ₹1,014,000, the new Dzire features enhanced safety, improved design, and additional features.
“This time, the Dzire is a completely different car compared to previous generations. We’ve added numerous new features, enhanced the safety elements, and given it an attractive design. I’m confident this model will draw in many new customers,” Takeuchi stated.
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