Maruti Suzuki India may set up an assembly plant in Sri lanka

Maruti Suzuki India is looking for possibilities of bringing up an assembly facility in Sri Lanka. The company is looking at areas in the country which seem appropriate for setting up the plant.

The carmaker’s exports include some cars that are sold in Sri lanka. RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed to Autocar Professional that the company is examining areas around Colombo for economic growth in the island country. Some or the other issues for setting up the assembly plant that keep on popping will be solved. These mainly are related to Sri Lankan government taxation. The other challenge for the company is to bring together workers. The final decision for the ground work of the assembly plant will be taken once these various issues are streamlined.

                

The automaker will also look at other emerging markets like Africa and Middle East to improve their car sales and also increase their global presence. Maruti is already focusing on the rural areas in India which account to about 30 per cent of the company’s overall sales. During the period of April to November 2013, the retail sales show an 18 per cent hike as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Maruti Suzuki India looks forward to bring a number of new cars in 2014. Their focus will however be on cars which prospective buyers in India look for. These include the small segment cars which are cheap, affordable yet fulfill the requirements of the common man. The new A-star based on the A:Wind concept car is expected to be launched in mid-2014 which will be placed above the Alto 800 replacing the current A-star.