Suzuki Motor asks Indian suppliers to adopt six-day production schedule

Suzuki Motor Corporation has requested that its Indian component suppliers transition to a six-day production schedule by September 2027. Under this proposed model, suppliers would operate machinery for approximately 20 hours a day, allowing for four hours of nightly downtime and one full day each week dedicated to equipment inspection and maintenance.

This shift aims to mitigate risks associated with rising production volumes, such as unexpected machinery breakdowns, factory accidents, and quality issues. The move comes as Maruti Suzuki prepares for significant manufacturing expansion, targeting a capacity of 4 million vehicles. India serves as Suzuki’s largest market and is becoming a critical export hub for Japan, Europe, and the Middle East.

Maruti Suzuki has reportedly asked suppliers to provide declarations by the end of 2026 confirming they will not operate continuously seven days a week. While intended to improve long-term efficiency and safety, the directive may require Indian component makers to invest in additional capacity to compensate for the scheduled weekly downtime.