Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has begun production of its electric SUV, the e-Vitara, at its Gujarat plant, marking the company’s entry into the EV segment. Unlike domestic rivals like Tata and Mahindra, who started by focusing on local sales, Maruti is prioritizing exports, targeting 100 countries, including Japan and Europe. The company aims to sell 70,000 units in FY26, primarily in international markets. This strategy follows a slowdown in domestic growth, with Maruti’s market share dropping nearly 9% over five years, and just 3% sales growth in FY25.
Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, announced plans to invest over ₹70,000 crore in India over the next 5–6 years. The Gujarat facility will serve as a global EV production hub. Experts say Maruti is strategically testing its EV in global markets, where demand is slowing, especially in the EU and US. While Maruti has yet to launch EVs in India, it sees infrastructure gaps and high costs as key barriers. Executives have noted that EVs in India are typically second or third cars, and widespread adoption hinges on improved charging networks and affordability.