Suzuki Targets to Halve New-Model Development Time by 2030

Suzuki Motor Corporation aims to halve the time it takes to develop a new vehicle by 2030, as it changes how its engineering and manufacturing teams work together.

The Japanese carmaker has also set targets to improve development efficiency by 30% and production efficiency by 50%. The development targets are measured against FY20; the production target uses its Manesar plant in India as the benchmark.

The announcement comes as Maruti Suzuki works to speed up an unusually large product programme. Autocar Professional reported in June, that the company was targeting a reduction in its vehicle development cycle from 48 months to 36 months. It plans to introduce nine new models over three years, including seven SUVs, according to sources familiar with the programme. Maruti’s 36-month goal and Suzuki’s 2030 target have different baselines. 

The number of vehicles is only part of the challenge. New models must be developed with a wider choice of powertrains, including petrol, CNG, hybrid, flex-fuel and electric options. Each powertrain adds work for engineering, validation, procurement and suppliers before production can begin.

Suzuki plans to bring those functions into a vehicle programme earlier. Planning, design, production, quality and procurement teams will work in parallel, supported by more digital engineering and greater use of shared modules. The aim is to find problems sooner and reduce the time lost when work has to be passed back between teams.

Maruti Suzuki has been moving in the same direction. Autocar Professional reported that it was expanding simulation and virtual testing, seeking earlier supplier involvement and working to develop components, tooling and manufacturing processes concurrently. 

Suzuki develops core technologies in Japan and shares them with Maruti Suzuki, which adapts products for Indian customers and prepares them for production. That arrangement will face a heavier workload as India grows as a manufacturing and export base. Suzuki is targeting annual production capacity of about four million vehicles in the country from fiscal 2030 onward.

The company has not disclosed the current group-wide development period against which its 2030 target will be measured.