Suzuki Eyes 1 million Annual 2-Wheeler Sales in India by 2020


NEW DELHI: Japanese automobile major SuzukiMotor Corporation (SMC) is looking to sell one milliontwo-wheelers annually in India, a key market under its newmid-term management plan.

The company, which today launched an all-new version offlagship scooter model Suzuki Access 125 priced at Rs 53,887(ex-showroom Delhi), will be focussing on premium scooters andmotorcycles to achieve its target.

"India is one of the most important markets for Suzuki'stwo-wheeler business. We are looking to sell one million unitsannually by 2020," SMC's subsidiary Suzuki Motorcycle IndiaPvt Ltd (SMIPL) outgoing Managing Director Masayoshi Ito toldreporters here.

In the ongoing fiscal, the company looks to sell 3.2 lakhunits in India as against 3.45 lakh units in the previousfiscal, down 7.24 per cent.

"This decline was mainly because we adjusted production ofthe Access ahead of the launch of the new version," he said.

Bullish on the Indian market, Ito, who will take over asglobal head of Suzuki's motorcycles business, further said"although the target for 2020 is stiff, we are confident wewill be able to do it as the scooter segment is fast growingin India".

"Our focus will be on premium scooters and motorcyclesas there is stiff competition in mass market segment," headded.

The company plans to launch new models in the 125cc andabove category in scooters, while in bikes its focus will bein the 150cc and above category.

"It is difficult to say how many models we will launch by2020 but we will consider launching even 200-250cc scooters ifthere is demand but it will take time," Ito said.

When asked if the company, which has an installed capacityof producing 5.4 lakh units from plant in Gurgaon, Ito said:"Yes, to meet the one million units target we will need to butwe haven't decided on it yet. As such we can stretch thecurrent capacity to 7 lakh units annually."On the new Access 125, SMIPL General Manager (Export,Sales and Dealer Development) Kenzi Hirozawa said: "We arelooking to sell around 2 lakh units of the model annually."Launched in 2007 in India, the Access 125 has sold 2million units in total so far. The updated model comes withvarious new features including front pocket, easy start systemand an optional front disc brake and alloy wheels.

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Source: PTI