End of a great chapter as Jagdish Khattar passes away

Jagdish Khattar, one of the finest gentlemen and auto professional who was part of Maruti’s growth journey passed away at the age of 78.  Khattar, an IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, had joined Maruti as an officer on special duty (OSD) in 1992 and became its director of sales and marketing operations. In 1999, he was promoted as the joint managing director of the company at a time when Maruti was facing with several challenges as more auto brands entered the market. He dealt with several complicated problems that Maruti faced at that point of time.

Khattar had an interesting career. He was an Indian Administrative officer of the UP cadre. As a bureaucrat he served as the officer of the Uttar Pradesh state government between 1965 and 1979. He was brought in as officer of special duty Maruti Udyog in 1992 by the then managing director R.C. Bhargava as director Marketing.

At Maruti Khattar oversaw the operations during one of the most challenging periods in its history and successfully represented the auto industry’s demands for changes in regulations and taxation structure before the government via the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). He was a well-known thought leader always sharing his views about the auto industry.

The most significant decision taken by Khattar during his stint in Maruti was to establish its insurance, used car and accessories businesses, which are successful ventures, providing a separate source of revenue for Maruti’s dealers.

The industry has lost a very highly respected leader and visionary who brought in new thinking and changes to the auto industry. He will be missed.