TOKYO - SUZUKI Motor Corp will shelve a plan to launch large-sized cars in 2010 and delay the start of overseas factories amid a sharp deterioration in the global auto market, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday.

Suzuki and other automakers are under growing pressure to cut output and scrap capital investment plans as auto demand worldwide, including in India where Suzuki has commands around half the market, declines sharply.

Suzuki had planned to introduce a car, named 'Kizashi', which would have had an engine of up to 3.6 litres, in a bid to attract customers looking to upgrade from smaller vehicles, the Nikkei said.

The firm also plans to postpone plants in Thailand and Russia in 2010, it said. -- THOMSON REUTERS