India's automotive industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in FY25, recording its highest-ever passenger vehicle exports. This growth underscores the country's emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse, with leading automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mahindra & Mahindra driving the surge. The industry's continued expansion highlights India's increasing role in the international automobile market.
India’s Record-Breaking Car Exports in FY25
- The Indian automotive industry exported 755,000-765,000 vehicles in FY25, reflecting a 12-14% increase from 672,000 units in FY24.
- This marks the highest-ever car exports from India, surpassing the previous record of 676,000 units in FY19.
- Strong global demand, rising manufacturing capabilities, and government incentives have contributed to this growth.
Maruti Suzuki: The Leader in India’s Car Exports
- Maruti Suzuki remains the top exporter, shipping 332,585 units in FY25.
- The company now accounts for over 43% of India's total car exports.
- Maruti has been exporting the five-door Jimny and Fronx models to Japan, marking a significant achievement in the global market.
- Hisashi Takeuchi, MD of Maruti Suzuki, highlighted that India's growing exports reinforce its position as a key global automotive hub.
- The company currently exports 17 models to more than 100 countries, further strengthening India's presence in the international market.
Hyundai’s Expanding Export Markets
- Hyundai Motor India shipped around 163,000 units in FY25.
- The company exports to about 60 countries, with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru being its largest markets.
- Hyundai's MD, Unsoo Kim, stated that India is Hyundai’s largest export hub outside South Korea.
- Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai together account for nearly two-thirds of India's total car exports.
Other Key Players in India's Auto Exports
While Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai dominate, other automakers also contribute to India’s expanding export market.
- Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra hold smaller export shares at 0.3% and 1.9%, respectively.
- Nissan (9%), Honda Cars India (8%), and Volkswagen (6%) are among the top five automakers exporting from India.
As competition intensifies, these companies are investing in production expansion to strengthen their presence in international markets.
Also Read: Renault Buys Nissan's 51% Stake in Indian Manufacturing Unit
India’s Expanding Automobile Export Strategy
Maruti Suzuki's Future Plans
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for a major expansion, aiming to triple its exports by 2030. The company is investing ₹45,000 crore to double its annual production capacity to 4 million units, with 750,000-800,000 units dedicated to exports.
Hyundai’s Expansion Plans
Hyundai is set to increase exports further with the launch of its second manufacturing facility in Talegaon, which will be operational by 2026. This will help the company scale up its production and meet the growing demand for its vehicles globally.
Government’s Push for Export Growth
The Indian government is encouraging automakers to increase exports to 25% of total production by 2030 (currently at 14% in FY23). This initiative aims to establish India as a dominant player in the global automotive supply chain.
Competitive Landscape: India vs China
India’s growing export numbers come at a time when China is aggressively expanding its global automobile exports, reaching 5.86 million units in 2024. A large portion of China's growth is driven by its new energy vehicles (EVs), which pose a competitive challenge for Indian automakers.
To stay ahead, Indian manufacturers must focus on innovation, expand their EV segment, and continue investing in global market penetration.
Conclusion
India’s record-breaking car exports in FY25 mark a significant achievement for the country's automobile industry. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and other key players are at the forefront of this growth, ensuring India's continued expansion in global markets. With ambitious expansion plans, increasing production capacity, and government support, India's automotive industry is well-positioned to become a major force in the global automobile trade.
Also Read: Automobile Growth in March 2025: Hyundai, Honda, Skoda, Kia, Mahindra, and Toyota Lead the Industry