Maruti Suzuki is set to cross 400,000 car exports this fiscal year, having already shipped 200,000 units in the first half, establishing itself as India’s largest automobile exporter, Chairman R C Bhargava announced at the company’s financial results press conference.
“Maruti is by far the largest exporter of cars from India now,” Bhargava stated, adding that exports have become “a major part of our business” and are “contributing significantly to the profitability of the company.”
The company has ambitious long-term targets, aiming to export 750,000 to 800,000 vehicles annually by fiscal year 2030-31. Bhargava emphasized that this represents a sustained, long-term commitment rather than a short-term initiative.
“Markets have been established where people are buying Maruti cars. We can’t suddenly cut them off and say, you will not get cars this year, you will get cars after two years,” he explained. “If you get into an export market, you establish your dealers there, you establish your service networks there, then you have to continue to sell cars in that market.”
Maruti currently exports to more than 100 countries across all parts of the world. The company has already begun exporting its first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, which has been shipped to 12 countries with 7,000 units completed so far. The United Kingdom ranks as the top export destination for the e-Vitara, followed by strong demand from European markets and Japan.
CFO Rahul Bharti confirmed the e-Vitara’s export performance, noting that European and Japanese markets are showing particularly strong demand for the electric SUV.
The export success stems from a strategic arrangement between Maruti Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Toyota for overseas vehicle sales. “This arrangement with Suzuki and Toyota to export cars has worked very well. We are very happy with this arrangement,” Bhargava said.
President Hisashi Takeuchi highlighted the company’s appreciation for government initiatives to improve the business environment. He referenced Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s efforts to negotiate free trade agreements, including discussions with the European Free Trade Agreement countries.
“We appreciate government initiatives to create a better business environment for the companies in India and to give us opportunity to enjoy a lower tariff to export any country,” Takeuchi said. “Especially, we are starting to export cars to Europe as well as some other countries. So, we really appreciate those government efforts.”
The sustained export growth comes as the company invests ₹70,000 crore through fiscal year 2030-31 to expand capacity and capabilities. At the Kharkhoda facility, the first production line is fully operational, and the second line will be commissioned in the first few months of the next financial year. Decisions regarding a fifth manufacturing plant are close to finalization.
Bhargava emphasized that maintaining consistent supply to established export markets is crucial for long-term success. “There is going to be sustained growth in this activity,” he said, indicating that export volumes will continue to expand as the company strengthens its global footprint.
The export achievement positions Maruti Suzuki as a key player in India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a global production hub while diversifying the company’s revenue streams beyond the domestic market.