New Delhi – The Indian automotive sector must fortify itself against escalating cybersecurity threats by implementing comprehensive contingency plans, according to Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki. Speaking at the 66th ACMA Annual Session, Takeuchi underscored the critical importance of preparedness to ensure business continuity and minimize disruptions.
Evolving Cyber Threats Demand Proactive Measures
Takeuchi highlighted the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyberattacks, noting that hackers are continuously advancing their techniques. “As we embrace greater digitalisation, cybersecurity becomes equally important… Hackers are evolving their technology and becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. So, we have to ensure that we stay one step ahead of them,” he stated.
While acknowledging the industry's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity systems through technology investments, Takeuchi cautioned against complacency. He referenced the debilitating cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) a year prior, which halted production at its manufacturing plants, as a stark reminder of the potential impact.
Maruti Suzuki's Proactive Approach to Supply Chain Resilience
Maruti Suzuki itself is employing advanced strategies to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, including those stemming from potential cyber incidents. Takeuchi detailed the company’s use of geo-mapping and weather intelligence to anticipate disruptions.
“By geo-mapping supplier locations and integrating localised weather intelligence, we are able to provide advance alerts about potential disruptions, giving suppliers and our teams more time to prepare,” Takeuchi explained. He added, “The objective is not to predict every disruption. That is impossible. The objective is to identify risks early enough to take countermeasures.”
The automotive industry has navigated numerous challenges in recent years, from semiconductor shortages to geopolitical tensions. Takeuchi lauded the sector's resilience in maintaining production lines, but stressed that proactive cybersecurity is essential for future stability.
Localization and Ecosystem Competitiveness
Beyond immediate threat mitigation, Takeuchi advocated for deeper localization within the industry. Strengthening domestic capabilities and owning a larger share of the value chain can reduce exposure to external disruptions. However, he emphasized that localization alone is insufficient without a focus on global competitiveness.
“It is important to understand that competitiveness is not an individual company phenomenon. It is an ecosystem phenomenon. Unless our Tier II and Tier III suppliers are capable, we can’t produce world-class quality,” Takeuchi concluded, stressing the collective responsibility to elevate industry standards.