India’s car exports have seen record numbers over the past few years. From shipping 577,875 units in FY22 to 662,703 units in FY23, and reaching 672,105 units in FY24, the country’s automotive industry is making significant strides on the global stage. Contrary to popular belief, it is not Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Tata, or Mahindra leading this charge, but Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest car manufacturer and now its top car exporter.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has cemented its position as the top passenger vehicle (PV) exporter from India. The company shipped 255,439 units overseas in FY23, maintaining its lead in FY24 with an impressive 280,712 units. According to the latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti has already exported 39,205 units in the first two months of FY25 (April and May), setting a robust pace for the year ahead.
Maruti’s success in exports can be attributed to its extensive portfolio of over 15 models. Popular models like the Swift, Baleno, Dzire, Fronx, Brezza, Jimny, and Grand Vitara are shipped to nearly 100 countries across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company’s export journey began in September 1987 with a consignment of 500 cars to Hungary. Since then, Maruti has steadily expanded its global footprint, bolstered by the introduction of new models and support from its parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Trailing closely behind Maruti, Hyundai Motor India Limited continues to be a strong contender in the export market. Hyundai exported 153,019 units in FY23 and increased this to 163,155 units in FY24. The first two months of FY25 saw the company dispatching 27,900 units. Hyundai’s export destinations include nearly 90 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Key export models from Hyundai include the i20, Aura, Verna, Venue, and Alcazar.
As FY25 unfolds, all eyes will be on how Maruti and other Indian carmakers navigate the dynamic global market. With Maruti already setting a brisk export pace and Hyundai maintaining steady growth, the competition to lead India’s car export market is expected to intensify.
