Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, is in talks with Gujarat government for a massive Rs. 4,000 crore venture in the state. The proposed project is speculated to be a Greenfield plant in a vicinity of Becharaji in Mehasna district of Gujarat. It is believed that the development processes will be mutually beneficial for both the parties and is termed as a stepping stone in the Indo-Japanese car maker's expansion plans.
Reportedly, Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi was successful in persuading top Suzuki bosses to shift their massive project to Gujarat during his Japan visit in July, 2012. Press Trust of India (PTI) has affirmed that Osamu Suzuki, Chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) is slated to meet Modi to discuss the prospects of its proposed 4,000 crore expansion plan. An industry insider revealed, “SMC’s CEO is likely to meet the Chief Minister on August 24.”
The move brings back the faint memories of Modi's similar strategy of luring Tata Group in 2008 to his state. Modi could not have chosen a better time to discuss the prospects with Suzuki Motor Corporation, who was aghast with the deadly riot and lockout at its Manesar facility since 18th July, 2012. However, the Manesar facility resumed its operation from August 21, 2012 but is operating at 10 per cent of its average daily production with just 150 cars a day. Analysts believe that SMC will surely consider Modi's proposition of a new factory in Gujarat with keen interest.