'Expect 1.5 times sales hike for Hayabusa in India' : Suzuki MD

"So why did Suzuki fire its entire Marketing and Sales team in India?", a journalist asked with a smile. "Why don't you ask Atul? Maybe the rumours were true!", he laughed. That's Masayoshi, the India MD of Suzuki two-wheelers.

Business Insider sat down with Masayoshi to discuss Suzuki, competition and its iconic Hayabusa:

What's the way forward for Suzuki in India?

India is a very important market. I'd like to concentrate more on the big motorcycle segment, much like many European and American markets.

What would drive Suzuki's growth in India?

Definitely not Super-bikes. The affordable premium segment, and scooters primarily.

What caused the shift to racier motorcycles?

The Gixxer. The design was unlike earlier motorcycles. Very sporty. Younger people in India love the power.

Suzuki's current India market share.

I'm not worried so much about market share. After all, we only have an 8 year history here. My priority is to make the company profitable first. We achieved it this fiscal.

Why did you decide to assemble the Hayabusa in India?

If we assemble it here rather than ship a CBU unit, the price goes down. That was the intention.

What hike in sales do you expect for the Hayabusa?

I expect around 1.5 times hike in terms of volume.

Any plans to make the Hayabusa in India?

None whatsoever. The Hayabusa is our flagship model, and we can't afford to have quality issues with parts.

Can Suzuki be like a Maruti for Motorbikes?

Not till Bajaj, TVS and Honda are there in the segment.