Fantastic target (considered unachievable) by almost everyone – start a public sector company (read government run) to be formed in under two years, find a suitable partner, finalize all legal documentation, get governmental approval, build a factory, develop a supplier base to meet localization regulations, create a sales and service network in every nook and cranny of our wonderful nation and develop and launch a people’s car that would sell 100,000 units in a year, in a sector where Indian expertise was limited. Also to please both its masters in the government and Suzuki Motor Corporation. However, the Maruti project succeeded and in ways that were unimaginable in 1983. The car revolutionized the industry and put a county on wheels. Suddenly, ordinary middle-class men and women could aspire to own a reliable, economical and modern car and the steep sales target were easily met. 26 years later, the company, now free of government controls and facing competition from the world’s major manufacturers who have entered the Indian market,still leads the way. Not only that, cars made by Maruti can be seen in all continents. By any measure, it is an incredible story (inspiring?), involving grit, management skill and entrepreneurship of a high order. R. C. Bhargava, who was at the helm of the company and is currently its chairman enlightens us as to how it was done. BRAVO! BRAVO!
Goobes 