Software, generative AI reshaping vehicle development at Maruti Suzuki, says MD Hisashi Takeuchi

Maruti Suzuki is increasing its use of digital technologies as rising software content in vehicles and advances in generative artificial intelligence reshape product development and manufacturing.

Managing director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said technology was transforming the company in areas extending beyond vehicle powertrains.

“The rapid rise of software content in vehicles and the advances being made in Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, are fundamentally reshaping product development, manufacturing, quality management, safety improvement and customer experience,” Takeuchi said in his address to shareholders in the company's annual report for FY26

As Maruti Suzuki expands, digital technologies are becoming increasingly important for improving efficiency, enabling faster and better-informed decisions and enhancing organisational agility, he said.

“Across Maruti Suzuki, we are increasingly leveraging digital technologies,” Takeuchi added.

The growing use of software and artificial intelligence comes as Maruti Suzuki prepares for one of its most intensive product programmes. As Autocar Professional reported earlier, the carmaker plans to introduce nine models over the next three years and is looking to reduce vehicle development time by 25 percent, from 48 months to 36 months. The pipeline includes seven SUVs, although their rollout is planned over five years.

Maruti Suzuki is also working more closely with parent Suzuki Motor Corporation to build new models faster and at lower cost.

Chairman R C Bhargava said cooperation between the two companies had become closer and more integrated during FY2026, with both sides seeking to improve their competitiveness by strengthening the partnership.

“In particular, we are working closer than ever to strengthen our capacity for building new models of cars in shorter and more cost-effective ways,” Bhargava said in his address to shareholders.

“Engineering strength is the core value that leads to success of a car company,” he added.