Maruti Suzuki to reduce number of product platforms

Maruti Suzuki plans to reduce the number of product platforms at its disposal in order to streamline the R&D process, cut costs and speed up the development of new models. According to Maruti Suzuki's executive director of engineering and the man behind the Vitara Brezza - C.V. Raman, the plan is to reduce the number of platforms down to 3 or 4. Maruti Suzuki currently offers 16 models, based on 8 platforms, retailed through either Maruti's regular dealership network or the NEXA premium showroom chain.

Automakers today are taking a modular approach to the development of platforms world over, in order to get new products out faster while being cost effective. These platforms have to be flexible to cater to a variety of customer needs, while complying with varying emission and safety norms.

Maruti's platform streamlining will be a slow process as the supplier network will have to be prepared to offer a large number of parts that meet specific quality standards. 

C.V. Raman also stated that Maruti's development cycle will change, with a new-gen model expected every six years. Over the next five years, the existing product line-up will be refurbished and offered as new-generation models. The consolidated platforms will primarily target compact car segments in global markets.

Source: Livemint