Suzuki Motor Corporation signs agreements with two IIMs

IIMA and Suzuki will collaborate to conduct research on strategic business diversification, business portfolio restructuring, and new market entry strategies.

Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) has signed agreements with the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (or IIMA) and Kozhikode ( IIMK), respectively to further develop its Indian business.

In a press note, the company said: We believe that flexible business activities are needed in the recent years where we are globally facing urgent issues of environmental initiatives including carbon neutrality. Suzuki has signed agreements with the two Indian business schools to conduct research on such issues.

Suzuki began its India operations in 1982, and its JV with the Indian government led to the roll out of the Maruti 800 in 1982. Thereafter, the company has risen from strength to strength and today has a marketshare of 42 percent, an eight-year low. A few years ago, the company had a 51 percent marketshare but increased competition, exit from diesel and lack of an SUV line up has had an impact on the company’s market prospects.

SMC recently announced the establishment of Suzuki R&D Centre India (SRDI) as wholly-owned unit of Suzuki. The announcement was made on the 40^th anniversary of Maruti Suzuki in India. Through SRDI, Suzuki says, it will establish a framework to strengthen its R&D competitiveness and capabilities, and develop new technologies for India as well as Suzuki’s other markets.

On that occasion, Toshihiro Suzuki, president, SMC said, “India has become one of the most important countries for the Suzuki Group.” He added that the carmaker will continue aggressively investing in India.

IIMA was established in 1961 and is India’s premier management school with a global reputation for excellence and leadership in business management research and education. IIMA and Suzuki will collaborate to conduct research on strategic business diversification, business portfolio restructuring, and new market entry strategies.

IIMK was founded in 1996 and according to a press release has strengths in corporate culture research and striving for global excellence in the domain of higher education. IIMK and Suzuki will analyse Suzuki’s 40-year history in India, clarify its strengths, and study the future direction of Suzuki’s business in the country, from a long-term perspective, SMC said.