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Maruti Suzuki India (MSI), the country's largest carmaker, said on Thursday that Hisashi Takeuchi has been named as the next Managing Director and CEO, effective April 1, 2022.

Takeuchi was named as Managing Director and CEO of MSI on April 1 following the expiration of Kenichi Ayukawa's term on March 31, 2022, according to a statement released by the business.

In order to ensure a smooth transition, Ayukawa will remain as a full-time Director and Executive Vice Chairman until September 30, 2022, and will continue to advise the automaker, according to the statement.

According to MSI, the appointments are subject to shareholder approval.

In 1986, Takeuchi joined Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC).

He has been on the Board of Maruti Suzuki since July 2019, as Joint Managing Director (Commercial) since April 2021, with extensive experience in international operations at SMC as well as in overseas markets.

"I appreciate the Board of Directors' confidence in me. Maruti Suzuki is a fantastic company with a rich history, and it will be my goal to ensure that we continue to provide exciting automobiles to customers in India and throughout the world that are good for them, the environment, and society. We shall also strive to grow our business in a way that benefits Atma-Nirbhar Bharat and India's economic growth "he explained.

Ayukawa, who has been the company's Managing Director and CEO since April 2013, described his tenure as both tough and rewarding.

"India is one of the world's most interesting and attractive vehicle markets, and my time there has been both demanding and rewarding. Takeuchi is well-positioned to lead Maruti Suzuki into the future, as he has a thorough understanding of both the Indian and worldwide markets. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours "he stated

The carmaker is aiming to fill gaps in the numerous sub-segments that have arisen in the SUV area in recent years, as its market share in the about 30-lakh-strong (volume) domestic passenger vehicle segment has fallen to 45 percent this year from 48 percent last year.