Suzuki Motor Corporation has asked its Indian subsidiary -- Maruti Suzuki India -- to enhance its research and development for small cars in the country.

Suzuki Motors has asked its Indian subsidiary to take care of 90 per cent of its R&D for small engines in India itself.

"Engines below 1,200 cc get excise benefit from the government of India and currently 60-70 per cent of R&D for these engines takes place in Japan. Now Osamu Suzuki want 90 per cent of the R&D to

be done in India," Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava said.

Addressing the company's shareholders on Tuesday, Bhargava said that Suzuki Motor Corporation Chairman Osamu Suzuki has told the board of Maruti Suzuki to enhance the level of R&D of small engines up to 1,200 cc.

"It is important that Maruti develops these engines in India with help from Japan," he added.

• The Maruti Saga