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The first ‘Made in India’ Baleno launched in Japan
MUMBAI: The ‘Made in India’ Baleno was launched in Japan today by the Suzuki Motor Corporation, parent company of Maruti Suzuki India Limited which had launched the model in India..
Baleno, first exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, was launched in India on 26 October 2016. Baleno is manufactured only in India at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility in Haryana. Since its launch, Maruti Suzuki has sold over 38,000 units of Baleno cars in the domestic market. Baleno will be exported to more than 100 countries.
On the occasion of the launch ceremony in Tokyo today, Indian Ambassador to Japan Sujan R. Chinoy said, “Maruti Suzuki exports to over 125 countries including those in Europe, which is proof of their quality. The model being launched today, the Baleno, is a state-of-the-art car developed and manufactured in India through Suzuki’s excellence. It will be exported to 100 global markets including Japan. I am confident that the Baleno will prove to be a huge success in Japan. I wish the launch complete success.”
Suzuki MD and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa added, “A landmark moment like this is a true testimony to the success of the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. Launch of the ‘Made in India’ Baleno in Japan is a proud moment for all of us. This reaffirms Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing potential and growing importance of Maruti Suzuki India Limited in Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global business strategies. I am confident our Baleno would be well accepted by Japanese customers as well.”
Baleno is a harmonious combination of “Liquid Flow” styling, performance achieved through ground-breaking technologies, and packaging. Baleno’s design, spacious interiors, features and Suzuki’s latest technologies make it the ideal compact hatchback.
Fine-tuned over repeated test runs, Baleno offers a driving experience achieved by pursuit of the best balance between nimble performance and refined riding comfort.
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Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
