Suzuki to triple diesel engine output by 2010

Suzuki Motor, Japan's top mini-vehicle maker, today said it will triple its diesel engine production in the country within  three years, in face of surging global demand.

"We will triple our diesel engine production in India to 300,000 units by  March 2010," a Suzuki spokesman said. "Demand for environmentally friendly diesel engine-powered cars is expected to rise in the coming years," he added.

Some of the additional capacity will also supply Europe.

Suzuki had launched a diesel engine plant in northern India in October, having an annual production capacity of 100,000 units, but it is still struggling to keep pace with strong Indian demand.

Last year Suzuki produced 630,000 vehicles there under the Maruti Udyog brand. Suzuki Motor owns 54% of Maruti Udyog, India's largest carmaker.