Bring back new Wagon R manufactured in Japan

Thursday, 17 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

I was puzzled to see the front page news item in FT of 12.9.2026 quoting AMW Group Managing Director Jawahar Ganesh as saying that “vehicle market chaos costs investor confidence”.

Since the domestic market was opened for vehicle imports, I and other fans of the Wagon R manufactured in Japan have been visiting the AMW showroom several times and pressing managers to import the latest models; however, they have refused to do so even when offered foreign exchange payment with all duties.

AMW, presently owned by a Dubai group, prefers Indian-manufactured vehicles, which are not popular and have to be dumped here at low prices. This strategic mistake by AMW led to the market opening up for other dealers to bring in nearly new Wagon Rs manufactured in Japan under the “reconditioned” window, and such vehicles are sweeping the market, such is the popularity of this vehicle both for quality and reliability. So why is AMW complaining?

It is not too late even now; will AMW, as the Suzuki agent in Sri Lanka, once again bring new Wagon Rs manufactured in Japan into Sri Lanka?

Sarala Fernando