Maruti to equip entry models with six airbags as standard

JAPANESE SMALL CAR major Suzuki Motor on Monday said overall passenger vehicle wholesale in the Indian market is expected to grow around 1-2% in 2025-26, with the company's arm Maruti Suzuki looking to outpace industry growth.

- NITIN KUMAR

The company, which has earmarked total capital expenditures of 380 billion yen (₹21,720 crore) for 2025-26, said "investments in India will account for approximately 50%" of it, with plans to increase production capacity of passenger vehicles.

On the outlook for FY2025-26 in India, Suzuki Motor (SMC) in an investor presentation said, "Although SUVs continue to be strong in the market, demand for compact cars continues to be sluggish, and the overall market for wholesale sales is expected to grow by (around) 1 to 2%." It further said, "With the launch of two new SUVs, including the BEV VITARA, our company plans to outpace market growth." In addition, the new Kharkhoda plant, where it initiated production in February this year, will contribute "to increased production and sales of the popular SUV Brezza," it added.