The change of management at India's largest car makers, Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) will not affect Suzuki Motor Corporation's (SMC) investments in the company. It's already made a fresh investment of Rs 250 crore for an aluminum die-cast foundry in Manesar and will continue with its policy of launching a new model in the Indian market every year. In Delhi for the official presentation of the disinvestment cheque to the government, SMC chairman and CEO, Osamu Suzuki, told Arindam Mukherjee that post-acquisition, SMC's responsibilities and commitments towards Maruti will not waver. But MUL, he feels, will continue as an Indian company led by Indian people. Excerpts:
Is SMC happy with the way the Indian government has tackled disinvestment in Maruti?
Is SMC satisfied with the price it has paid for the government stake in MUL? And with the premiums?
Post-disinvestment, SMC gains management control, the government gets its price. What does MUL gain?
What kind of changes can one expect in MUL?
What about your investment in MUL?
MUL is SMC's second largest unit. How does this impact SMC? Will you use the facilities for exports?
Would SMC restructure the Maruti board? How?
Will you now resolve the issue of transfer of gearbox technology to MUL?
Do we now see global launches of Suzuki models in India?
There has been a lot of cost-cutting at MUL without affecting employment. Will that change?
A lot of MUL's market share has gone to other automakers recently. Do we see a new strategy to fight competition?
The Indian automobile industry has been facing a demand slowdown...
