GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat has emerged as a top automotive manufacturing hub in not only India but also in the world, said PM Narendra Modi, citing the example of the successful 13-year journey of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) in Gujarat. The PM addressed the commemoration ceremony marking 40 years of SMC in India, held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on Sunday.
SMC announced investments worth Rs 10,400 crore in Gujarat which relate to projects including an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and an EV battery manufacturing unit, both of which will be adjacent to the company’s existing passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturing plant in Hansalpur.
“I remember that 13 years ago, Suzuki had approached us in Gujarat to set up a manufacturing facility. I promised them that they will find the perfect model of development here,” the PM said. “I am happy that Gujarat has fulfilled its promise made to Suzuki and Suzuki has reciprocated the respect.” He added: “Today, Gujarat has emerged as a top automotive manufacturing hub not just in India but in the world too.”
According to the PM, EVs are bringing a silent revolution to India. “The EV market in India is growing at a pace which could not be imagined a few years ago,” he said. “India has been working to set up the ecosystem and infrastructure for this change to take place over the past eight years.”
The PM said the government is taking steps to boost EV demand. Two such steps are providing IT relief and easy financial assistance. “Side by side, we are leveraging the PLI scheme in the automobile and auto component sector to boost supply at a rapid pace,” the PM said.