Maruti Begins Production of e-Vitara, Eyes Export Route

India's largest carmaker aims to sell 70,000 units of its first EV, most of it overseas, in FY26

- Ayaan Kartik

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on Tuesday started the production of its electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) e-Vitara for exports to 100 countries from its Gujarat factory, marking the beginning of its electric vehicle (EV) push that contrasts with strategies of its domestic rivals.

While Tata and Mahindra began their EV journey by first boosting sales in the domestic market, Maruti Suzuki is producing these cars majorly for exports, with its Japanese parent looking to test its mettle in the global EV market.

The company aims to sell 70,000 units of its flagship electric vehicle in FY26, with a majority of sales coming from international markets.

This country's largest and oldest carmaker is looking to recreate its recent success in exports, with international sales rising 17% in FY25, buoyed by products like Fronx and Jimny.

However, the small car giant has seen its market share slip by nearly 9% in the domestic market over the last five financial years, and growth has got hard to come by, prompting the company to focus on exports.

In FY25, Maruti's sales in India grew just by 3% to 1.9 million cars.