Maruti to set up new R&D centre

Nearing its target of pumping in Rs 9,000 crore into the Indian market by 2010, Maruti has invested around Rs 5,000 crore in manufacturing operations in Manesar. The remaining Rs 4,000 crore will be invested in the development of the next generation KB engine plant in Gurgaon, an R&D facility at Manesar, a port at Mundra, rolling out new models like A-star and Splash as well as establishing regional stockyards and brand centres over the next two years.

“Our production capacity will be scaled up to one million units by mid of October to support the launch of A-star in November. We expect our current exports of 53,000 units per annum to increase to 2 lakh units per annum by 2010. To match the quality standards followed worldwide, we are upgrading our Tier-II suppliers by training them at our Centre of Excellence in Gurgaon,” he added.

Maruti is conducting several pilot studies to bring services at the customers’ doorsteps. The “express service” through which the customer can get his car serviced while catching a movie or the “night shift” model where the servicing can be done at night, is at the testing stage. “Experiments are going on at different locations, once successful the services will be launched in the entire country. Another focus of our company in the coming two years will be to roll out CNG models of our cars,” said the official.