Maruti Suzuki CEO Urges India to Become Global Auto Hub

Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Hisashi Takeuchi outlined a strategic vision for India to emerge as a trusted global automotive manufacturing and supply chain hub during the annual session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India on September 2, 2026.

Takeuchi argued that global supply chains are reconfiguring, making reliability and operational continuity as vital as cost. He identified deep localization, technology, collective learning, and people as the primary enablers for growth. He specifically emphasized that competitiveness is an ecosystem phenomenon, noting that world-class quality is impossible unless Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers are capable. He further urged companies to treat employees as assets on the balance sheet rather than expenses.

Addressing industry resilience, Takeuchi warned that the increasing sophistication of hackers makes cyber incidents a persistent risk. He cited a previous attack on Jaguar Land Rover that halted production as a cautionary example and called for robust cybersecurity contingency plans. To mitigate current supply-chain risks, Maruti Suzuki is employing geo-mapping and localized weather intelligence to provide advance alerts for potential disruptions.