Maruti Suzuki’s transition towards environment friendly car production
Famous Indian automaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (BOM:532500) is going to produce cars according to ‘end of life vehicle’ (ELV) specifications by 2010. In an age, where business organizations around the world are increasingly becoming pro-environment, Maruti Suzuki is also trying to follow the latest trend of producing cars that are recyclable and contains environment friendly materials. From now on, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is going to stop using hazardous materials for producing cars. It will also stop using or producing car components that contain hazardous materials. The company is going to start the new procedure with its ‘compact A-star’ and then it would follow on other models. Times of India reports:
“The idea behind the whole exercise is to see that a minimum of 85% of the car could be recycled after the end of its useful life,†he added. While India does not have ELV norms, they are in force in Europe, spelling out norms for making dismantling and recycling of vehicles more environment friendly. The norms set clear quantified targets for reuse, recycling and recovery of vehicles and their components and pushes producers to manufacture new vehicles also with a view to their recyclability.
Mr. Rao said that his company will change its entire production process and this change will start right from the stage of procuring raw materials for the cars. Maruti is also working with the auto-parts suppliers to make sure that they stop using hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. However, lead can be used in batteries. Mr. Rao also told reporters that his company will stop using “hexavalent chrome†for chrome plating.
Mr. Rao however also said that the biggest challenge is still ahead and that is upgrading the customers. In European countries where the ELV is going to be implemented, there are agencies that dispose off cars and give certificates to owners.
This is a great initiative for Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.. It was the first company to mass produce cars in India. Now, it is going to be the pioneer in producing environment friendly recyclable vehicles. I think, Indian government should also work on developing laws and regulations regarding automobile production and recycling. Growing industrialization has already affected India’s environment and people’s health. Indian government should focus more on developing rules and regulations and setting up strict standards regarding the use of hazardous materials in various industries including the automobile industry.
Related articles:
