Are India-made Cars Making Waves in the Japanese Market?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable trend, India's automotive industry is witnessing a boom in exports to Japan, with Maruti Suzuki and Honda Cars India leading the charge in delivering high-quality vehicles. This article explores the impressive growth and future potential of Indian-made cars in developed markets.
Key Takeaways
- India's car exports to Japan surged to $616.45 million.
- Maruti Suzuki leads with its Jimny exports.
- Honda Cars India exported 45,167 units of the SUV Elevate.
- Compact SUVs comprise over 25 percent of total exports.
- Industry aims for 30 percent export share in five years.
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) Maruti Suzuki and Honda Cars India have experienced a significant surge in exports to the Japanese market, underscoring the enhanced quality and growing acceptance of Indian-made cars in developed regions.
As per data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India’s car exports to Japan soared to $616.45 million during the first nine months (April-December) of the financial year 2024-25, marking an impressive nearly 3-fold increase compared to $220.62 million for the entire financial year of 2023-24.
Maruti Suzuki stands out as the leading exporter, sending its off-roader sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Jimny, to Japan. Currently, Mexico, Australia, and South Africa are the top four markets for this model.
This marks the second SUV, alongside the Fronx, that the company is exporting to its parent company in Japan. The Fronx SUVs are dispatched from the Gujarat plant via the Pipavav Port in the state.
The Jimny was launched in India in June 2023, with exports to various countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa commencing in October 2023. Over 22,000 units of this five-door car were exported in 2023-24, and already more than 38,000 units of the Jimny have been shipped in the first nine months of 2024-25.
Honda Cars India also made a mark by exporting 45,167 units of the SUV Elevate during the same period, primarily to Japan, which is double the sales figure in India. The car was launched in Japan in the third week of March, where it is marketed as the Honda WR-V, marking the company’s first made-in-India vehicle available in Japan.
The WR-V brand was discontinued in India in 2023 but continues to thrive internationally. Exports began around December-January, with the official launch occurring in March.
In the two-wheeler arena, Yamaha India plans to export its premium R15 bike model to Japan, highlighting the cost-effective manufacturing capabilities in India. This indicates India's potential as an auto manufacturing hub for advanced economies.
In total, India’s car exports rose by 15 percent, reaching 7,70,364 vehicles in FY23, outpacing the 2 percent growth in domestic sales. Compact SUVs now represent over 25 percent of exports, with strong demand for mid-sized passenger cars and utility vehicles. Industry stakeholders aim to boost the export share to 30 percent in the next five years, according to a SIAM report.
This reflects the best annual performance to date, driven by demand for global models manufactured in India. With improving manufacturing quality, several companies have initiated exports to developed markets, as highlighted in a SIAM statement.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the transformative impact of Indian automotive exports, particularly in developed markets like Japan. The significant increase in exports reflects not only the improved quality of Indian-made vehicles but also the growing global acceptance of these products. This trend positions India as a formidable player in the international automotive landscape, ultimately benefiting the economy and providing consumers with a wider range of high-quality options.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are driving the increase in Indian car exports to Japan?
The surge in Indian car exports to Japan can be attributed to the enhanced quality of manufacturing and the growing acceptance of Indian-made vehicles in developed markets. Companies like Maruti Suzuki and Honda are leading this charge with their popular models.
Which models are primarily being exported to Japan?
The key models being exported to Japan include the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Honda Elevate, which is marketed as the Honda WR-V in Japan.
How has the export performance impacted the Indian automotive industry?
The increased exports have positively impacted the Indian automotive industry, contributing to a rise in overall vehicle exports and positioning India as a potential automotive manufacturing hub for advanced economies.
What is the export target for Indian cars in the next five years?
Industry players aim to increase the export share to 30 percent within the next five years, reflecting confidence in India's manufacturing capabilities.
Are there any plans for other Indian automotive brands to export to Japan?
Yes, Yamaha India is planning to export its R15 bike model to Japan, showcasing the broader potential for Indian automotive products in international markets.
