The Hindu Business Line : Suzuki, Nissan seek Govt support on infrastructure

MR O. SUZUKI, Chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation, calling on Mr Santosh Mohan Dev, the Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, at his chamber in the Capital on Wednesday - Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Sept. 6

Suzuki Motors Corporation chief Mr Osamu Suzuki on Wednesday met the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and other senior Ministers and sought cooperation in the form of infrastructure support such as a big port with easy loading and unloading facilities and no waiting delays, roads and railways.

The port would be needed for Maruti Suzuki's proposed joint operations with Nissan for which a new plant would be set up and would cater mostly to the export market.

Mr Suzuki and Nissan Motor Vice-Chairman Mr Takeshi Isayama on Wednesday called upon the Prime Minister, the Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Mr Santosh Mohan Dev, the Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, the Railways Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, and the Road Transport and Highways Minister, Mr T.R. Baalu, and apprised them of their plans.

However, it was not immediately known whether the company is proposing to have a dedicated port facility.

Briefing reporters after the meeting Mr Santosh Mohan Dev said that the proposal is of a new plant to be set up in Haryana. "They have asked for a big port facility so that they can export and don't have to wait for days as it happens and also easy loading unloading facilities. Also roads and railways to carry the cars to the port," he said.

The Minister said that though the location of the plant has been decided to be Manesar in Haryana, the port has not yet been decided.

Mr Dev said the joint production would include small and big cars meant for both sales in domestic and overseas markets. "We told them that the facilities and infrastructure would be upgraded wherever required to facilitate the company's plans," he said.

In June earlier this year, Suzuki announced a manufacturing collaboration with Nissan and said the companies will begin joint production in India.