'Small cars will continue to have an important role in India's future'

The automaker has aggressive product plans, especially in SUVs, where it is a little behind due to delayed product launches. At a select media roundtable during his recent visit to India, the President shared more details where Autocar Professional was present.

India accounts for 50 percent of Suzuki Motor Corporation's global sales and the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India is working hard to catch up with rivals in EV space.

By 2025, the first electric vehicle from the Japanese brand will hit the Indian markets as shared by Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Addressing global warming is a priority, says Suzuki and the carmaker is promoting a range of global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the first global strategic EV, the Concept Electric SUV eVX of Suzuki Group was unveiled at the AutoExpo 2023 last month. Suzuki believes the country offers many other alternate options in mobility solutions besides EVs. The automaker also plans to have aggressive product strategies, especially in SUVs, where it is a little behind due to delayed product launches. Autocar Professional was present at a select media roundtable during his recent visit to India where the President shared more details.

How does it feel to participate at the Auto Expo in India after three years?

It goes without saying that India is a very important, significant market for Suzuki group, and I really wanted to attend this Auto Expo. Due to this Covid-19, we could not hold this kind of press conference for a long time. This gives an opportunity to have face-to-face communication and I'm able to communicate directly with visitors, able to recheck their real reactions, including facial expressions. It has also renewed my realisation of the importance of face-to-face communication.

How would you define the role of India in your company's global aspirations?