Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Co took another pot-shot at Tata Motors [Get Quote] over the proposed Rs 1-lakh car, saying if a compromise on quality and safety norms was made for lower pricing, it would not be shouldering "the responsibility of an auto manufacturer".

Replying to a question on Suzuki's preparedness in response to Tatas' Rs 1-lakh car, SMC chairman Osamu Suzuki said: "In case there is sacrifice on safety and emission norms, the manufacturer does not truly shoulder the responsibility of an auto manufacturer." Suzuki was speaking at a function organised by Ficci.

Responding to Suzuki's statement, a Tata Motors spokesperson said it was conscious of its responsibilities. "As an auto manufacturer of more than 60 years standing, Tata Motors is conscious of its responsibilities, and all its vehicles have met all the norms and regulations of the countries where they are marketed in," a Tata Motors spokesperson said.

This is not the first time that SMC chief had expressed his doubts over the Rs 1-lakh car of Tata Motors. A couple of years back he had wondered if the product would be a three wheeler with a stepny.

Later in the day, while announcing SMC's new global product A-Star, Suzuki refused to be drawn into a discussion on the $3000 car being planned by global automaker like Renault and Hyundai.

"We don't know the details of $3000, is it the part cost? Is it the retail cost...what are the safety norms, what is the carbon dioxide emission norm..does it include air bags?" Suzuki said. He said unless those parameters were clear it was difficult to comment on the low-cost cars.