Maruti Suzuki India,the country’s largest car maker is now planning to set up a new plant in Manesar in order to increase its sales up to 30 lakh units every year by 2015-16. The company,at present is setting up two new units at a total investment of Rs 3,625 crores inside its Manesar facility.
The sources close to the development informed that the firm has already started internal discussions to set up its 7th plant and a final decision to this effect is likely to be taken within one year.The new plant could be either at the Manesar facility or elsewhere depending on the infrastructure situation once the two new units there are completed.
The Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India quoted that by 2015-16, the passenger vehicle market is estimated to be about 5 million units and they would like to maintain their market share to the maximum possible extent and for that they will be selling between 2.5 million units and 3 million units.He also added that if they run out of capacities, then they will have to look for something else but it all depends on how the existing and upcoming capacities will be utilised, which will go on till 2013.
A company source revealed that in any case, the expansion is likely in Manesar. But the company is also looking at the infrastructure aspect to avoid any kind of congestion in the area… In a year’s time all will be cleared and a decision is expected by March-April, 2012.It also added that if MSI decides that Manesar cannot handle too much of load after the two upcoming plants go on stream, then it will look for a new location for the new plant.
The existing plant of MSI in Manesar produces about 3.5 lakh units per year.Similarly its three units in Gurgaon jointly produce about 8.5 lakh units annualy.MSI currently produces 12 lakh units per year and once when the new units start operating,then its annual capacity will reach up to 17 lakh units.