Maruti Suzuki to invest Rs 2,000 crore towards R&D
With the all-new Ritz scheduled for launch next month, Maruti Suzuki is determined to keep its leadership position in the hatchbacks segment in India. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has announced that the company will spend up to Rs 2,000 crore towards research and development activities in FY 2009-10.
Among other things, the money will be spent in expanding capacity at Maruti Suzuki's Gurgaon facility, for the new KB-series engine which is currently being used in the A-Star. Over the next few months/years, MSIL wants to deploy this engine in some of its older cars - Alto, Wagon R and Zen Estilo - as well.
Maruti's Gurgaon facility will get a comprehensive update, with higher automation levels, an integrated engine assembly and machine shop for higher efficiency levels and revamped systems and process for better quality control and consistency.
Maruti is on track with its plans to set up an R&D centre and testing facilities that are equal to Suzuki's similar facilities in Japan. Maruti intends to carry out car design and engine development work in India for all its (and Suzuki's) small cars.
[Via: indiaautomotive]