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MOTORINDIA
l
September 2012
cus would be on improving fuel ef-
ficiency and reducing maintenance
costs of vehicles.
The global scenario
The European economy continues
to struggle, with austerity measures
in place in a number of countries.
The economic situation and recent
national election results continue to
create uncertainty around European
zone stability, the Euro and borrow-
ing costs. Credit continues to be dif-
ficult to obtain for customers and the
outlook remains volatile.
Initial figures suggest that the UK
economy has re-entered recession in
the last three months. Trading condi-
tions in the UK remain difficult. The
US economy has recovered as com-
pared to other mature economies
since the economic downturn, with
GDP growth and falling unemploy-
ment, although the position remains
fragile. The Chinese economy con-
tinued to grow strongly throughout
2011-12. Its growth is likely to slow
in future, although it may remain
above eight per cent.
Japan, Australia and New Zealand
in the Asia Pacific region were less
affected by the economic crisis com-
pared to Western economies, and
are recovering a little faster, often
due to increased trade with China
and other growth economies.
The major constituents in other
markets are Russia, South Africa
and Brazil, alongside the rest of Af-
rica and South America. These econ-
omies were not as badly affected by
the economic crisis as the Western
economies and have continued their
GDP growth in the last few years,
partly on the back of increased com-
modity and oil prices.
Tata Motors has been the top In-
dian automotive player over the
last few decades. The commercial
vehicle segment has seen the com-
pany battle it out with only a few
competitors, a scenario which is
fast changing with the entry of big
global names. As competition gets
more intense, Tata Motors is really
aggressive in its approach to main-
tain its markethold.
w
Karl Slym takes over as Tata Motors MD
Tata Motors has appointed Mr. Karl Slym as Managing Director with
effect from October 1. He succeeds Mr. PM Telang who superannuated
from the company in June this year.
Mr. Slym would lead all operations of Tata Motors in India and in-
ternational markets, including South Korea, Thailand, Spain, Indonesia
and South Africa. However, Jaguar Land Rover would continue to be
managed independently.
An alumnus of Stanford University and a Sloan Fellow, Mr. Slym has
been the Executive Vice President & Board Member, SGMW Motors,
China. Prior to this, he was President, Managing Director and Board
Member of GM in India. He has had a 17-year career with General Mo-
tors in different capacities in different regions.
Mr. Karl Slym
vehicle zone (cover story)