For old time’s sake, please take us back to the M800, the ubiquitous little car from the 1980s that became a revolution. What led to its tremendous success and put the Maruti Suzuki story on course?

The decision to partner Suzuki and manufacture the M800 was taken on the basis of an assessment of the needs of our customers. A market survey had helped us in making an objective decision. The car gave people a modern, reliable, fuel efficient and reasonably priced vehicle.

Which car models drive the Maruti Suzuki business model today?

At present the SUV segment is growing the fastest. However, MSIL is also selling cars in the small car segment and bigger sedans.

In your nearly four and half decades with Maruti Suzuki you have witnessed a transformation taking place in the automobile industry. It is one of the top indicators of which way any economy is going. Where do you see this industry 10 years from now?

The automobile sector is going to keep growing and contribute to economic growth and employment creation. Vehicles will continue to meet the changing regulations for safety and carbon neutrality.

In July 2024, as against July 2023, there was a fall in production in the mini, compact, mid-size and LCV sub-segments. There is, though, a sharp rise in production of utility vehicles. Is this a sign of things to come?

Market demand never remains unchanged and car manufacturers need to design and produce vehicles to meet the changing needs of the customers. I do believe that the demand for small low-cost cars will revive fairly soon.

As a nonagenarian chairing one of India’s most talked-about companies, how do you maintain a work-life balance?

I am a non-executive Chairman and do not find it difficult to maintain a balance between my obligations to MSIL and my family and personal life.