Maruti Suzuki’s R C Bhargava calls 1991 liberalisation the auto sector’s turning point

The Maruti Suzuki chairman says policy support and manufacturing advances reshaped India’s auto industry, while warning that small-car affordability, EV battery supply, clean power and weak R&D investment remain barriers to global competitiveness.

— Filed Mon, 27 Jul, 2026, 23:43 IST · Source Business Standard · Companies · Updated

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava says liberalisation, policy support and manufacturing gains transformed India’s auto sector. He flags affordability pressures on small cars, export potential, EV battery and clean-power gaps, and insufficient R&D investment to compete globally.

Why this matters

The leadership signal follows Maruti Suzuki’s 25–30% SUV growth target and Brezza Turbo pricing from ₹7.39 lakh, linking product expansion with concerns over affordability and industry competitiveness.

Leadership is steady, with 887 signals recorded in the past 90 days.