India is set to record its highest-ever passenger car exports in 2025, underscoring a structural shift in the country’s auto manufacturing base even as some global automakers have exited local production.
Data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) shows that car exports during the first 11 months of calendar year 2025 stood at 790,667 units, already surpassing the full-year figure of 743,326 units recorded in 2024. With December typically the strongest month for exports, industry executives expect shipments this year to comfortably exceed one million units, nearly double the 428,098 units exported in 2020.
While 2020 was affected by Covid-related disruptions, exports had already crossed the pre-pandemic peak last year. The previous high was recorded in 2017, when India exported 738,894 cars, driven largely by Ford and General Motors using their Indian plants as global export hubs. The 2025 performance marks a break from that phase, with a new set of manufacturers now driving volumes.
Industry analysts said the exit of Ford and GM from India has been offset by the rise of companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Kia and the Skoda-Volkswagen group under its India 2.0 strategy. “In 2016 and 2017, exports peaked as Ford turned its Chennai and Sanand plants into global bases for the EcoSport, and GM continued exports from Talegaon after exiting the domestic market,” an analyst said. “Exports dipped in 2018 and 2019 due to strong domestic demand and weakness in Latin America and Africa. Post-Covid, despite Ford and GM exiting fully, other players have stepped in.”
Maruti Suzuki Pivot
Maruti Suzuki has emerged as the country’s largest exporter in the post-Covid period, a shift from its earlier domestic-market focus. The company recorded exports of 332,585 units in FY25, its highest ever. Hisashi Takeuchi, managing director and chief executive officer of Maruti Suzuki India, has said the company’s manufacturing standards have earned global confidence, enabling it to ship models such as the Fronx and five-door Jimny to Japan.
While the Jimny struggled to gain traction in India, it has been exported to more than 100 countries and recently crossed the 100,000-unit export mark. The Fronx has also crossed 100,000 units in exports, with Japan, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and Chile among its top markets. Maruti Suzuki has also begun exporting its first electric vehicle, the eVitara, to Europe ahead of its domestic launch, which the company has described as a milestone for Indian manufacturing.
SUV Effect
The export mix has also evolved, reflecting the shift towards SUVs, which enjoy wider acceptance overseas. Models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are now shipped to multiple global markets. Honda Cars India has also benefited from export demand, with the Elevate gaining traction abroad, including in Japan where it is sold as the WR-V.
Skoda-Volkswagen has meanwhile filled part of the gap left by American carmakers, positioning India as an export base for models such as the Virtus, Taigun, Slavia and Kushaq under its India 2.0 programme.
Analysts expect export momentum to continue, supported by rising localisation, a broader SUV portfolio and the gradual addition of electric vehicles.
