Industry circles, however, feel Khattar would become more involved with day-to-day operations of the company in over the next couple of months.

``With Maruti's export market stagnating in view of increased global competition, Bhaskarudu is likely to focus on export sales,'' said an industry watcher who did not want to be quoted.

It may be noted that Bhaskaradu was in Europe recently, visiting countries such as Germany, France and United Kingdom.

After the flak on account of the Euro issue, deciding on the time frame for rolling out the proposed new models would be high on the agenda of the company, said industry sources

Khattar has been appointed the second MD under the agreement between the government and Suzuki Motors of Japan last year. The government entered into the agreement ina bid to resolve the impasse following appointment of Bhaskarudu as the managing director.

Suzuki had contested the appointment in ICC court in Paris. However, both the parties decided to call it truce after the government agreed to slash Bhaskarudu's tenure till December 31, 1999. As per agreement, Khattar will take over as managing director of Maruti on January 1, 2000.