Maruti prepares for bigger role in Suzuki’s development programme

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is preparing for a bigger role in product development programme of parent Suzuki, buoyed by the success of Vitara Brezza in which its engineers took the lead. From beginning to work on minor changes on erstwhile model Zen in 2000 to a full body change of small car Alto in 2008-09 and ultimately being asked to develop a vehicle on a given platform and an engine, MSI has been enhancing capability of its engineers. The company is now looking to build further on the experience of developing compact SUV Vitara Brezza, according to MSI Executive Director, Engineering, C V Raman. “This has taken us one step higher. Our engineers are able to learn how to develop a full model on a given platform, use the Suzuki global development process, understand engineering test standards, make own judgements and take decisions,” he said.