NEW DELHI: Speaking at the India-Japan Business Leaders forum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Japan has agreed to import Maruti Cars from India in principle. The Japanese-controlled Maruti Suzuki is expected to export cars manufactured in India from January 2016, as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian Government.
“This will be a significant move and will definitely boost our Make in India initiative. For the first time Japan will import cars from India and Maruti Suzuki will manufacture it”, the Prime Minister said addressing the Business forum comprising of India and Japan Business associates.
“Maruti will manufacture here and will export to Japan. I express my gratitude to Shinzo Abe (Japan’s President) for making a move in favour of the Indian economy. Japan and India must move together not only in the sphere of high-speed trains, but also for a high-speed growth”, PM Modi added.
Maruti Suzuki Chairman, R C Bhargava said that they would at first start with exporting ‘Baleno’ cars in the initial stage and will work on exporting other cars with time.
“The move will definitely boost the market-relations between India and Japan. However, exporting cars to Japan is not a easy task. We will at first start with exporting Baleno cars”, the chairman said. When asked about the target Mr Bhargava added that the company looks to export 20,000 to 30,000 cars a year, the Economic Times reported.