MSI to develop cars on its own

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) is planning to develop new cars on its own. Until now the company is taking assistance form its parent company. Though, the R&D persons in India were contributed in the development of Dzire, Swift and SX4 but the major job was to be finished in Japan. It is to be mentioned here that India facility is one of the largest outside japan.
Maruti Suzuki executive officer R&D IV Rao said that the manufacturing of small cars in India will change the scenario completely.  The unit will also have testing facilities to carry out research on safety and newer technologies and will sport a testing track. Mr Rao said that the company has started a global search for experienced engineers and technocrats to develop entire new team leaders. With the help of this new experienced team the company may produce competitive products. He added that the company is to recruit around 280 employees in R&D division. Suzuki has already announced $2 billion investment by 2010 in India for capacity expansion and new product development. Maruti Suzuki’s top brass from the R&D and personnel departments have been looking to expand and develop teams for specific high-tech fields like car designing , automotive styling, powertrain (engines & gears) development, modelling and structural bodywork.