Crisis gains

Persistent labour troubles at Maruti Suzuki’s plants have not only dented its reputation as a good industrial relations company but have, predictably, lengthened the waiting list of its customers, many of whom would now be looking at other manufacturers. At a car launch ceremony in Lucknow of a global car maker, an official was blunt about this. Asked if his company would gain from the long-drawn crisis at India’s largest car manufacturer, he said, “All of us car makers will benefit.”