Suzuki says `no' to gear box technology transfer

Suzuki says `no' to gear box technology transfer
UNITED NEWS OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, DEC 25: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) president and chief executive officer O Suzuki today refused to transfer the crucial gear box technology to Maruti Udyog Limited, stating that MUL does not require the technology as it does not manufacture gear boxes.

``Why does Maruti need gear box technology?,'' he asked, adding that MUL manufactures cars and not gear boxes. Suzuki was talking to mediapersons after unveiling of the MUL's new car, the 1.1 litre Wagon R, here.

The visiting SMC president and CEO refused to comment on whether SMC would float a subsidiary to manufacture gear boxes in India. At one time, Suzuki got angry and shouted at mediapersons as to why are they raising queries on gear box technology again and again. The issue of transfer of gear box technology had led to deterioration of relations between the government of India and SMC, joint venture partners in MUL, during the regime of the United Front government.

Heavy Industries Minister Manohar Joshi yesterday requested Suzuki to transfer entire technology, including that of gear boxes, to MUL to help it meet indigenisation targets.

``I have requested Suzuki to extend greater support to Maruti so that full transfer of technology takes place and indigenisation targets are achieved,'' Joshi had said.

MUL currently does not have indigenised gear box technology in any of its model. On the other hand, indigenisation level ranges between 83.30 per cent to 95 per cent in its existing models except Baleno. Indigenisation level in Baleno and the proposed Wagon R is supposed to be quite low as MUL has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government in this regard.