India is undergoing a significant shift in its automotive export landscape. Traditionally known as a hub for small car manufacturing, the country is increasingly becoming a key exporter of utility vehicles (UVs), including SUVs, MPVs and MUVs. This transition is fueled by a growing domestic demand for SUVs and a rising global acceptance of India-made UVs.
The Numbers Tell the Story
In a noteworthy development, UV exports surpassed passenger car shipments in November 2025. Specifically, UV exports reached 42,993 units, exceeding the 40,519 units of passenger cars. For the period between April and November 2025, car exports totaled 3.04 lakh units, up from 2.71 lakh units in the corresponding period last year, while UV exports surged to 2.88 lakh units from 2.22 lakh units. With the current momentum, experts predict that FY26 will be the first fiscal year where UV exports formally overtake car exports.
The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) has already seen record-breaking SUV and MPV exports from India. A total of 362,160 units were shipped, marking a substantial 54% increase compared to the 234,720 units exported in FY24.
Key Players and Models
Maruti Suzuki has emerged as a dominant force in this UV export surge. The company's UV exports nearly doubled, jumping from 77,927 units in FY24 to an impressive 157,000 units in FY25, a 101% increase. Maruti Suzuki contributes over 47% of all passenger vehicles exported from India, including cars, UVs, and vans. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx emerged as the top-exported SUV with 69,133 units, a remarkable 364% increase from the previous year. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny also saw significant growth, with exports rising by 116% to 47,982 units.
Honda Cars India secured the second position in SUV exports with 45,167 units. The Honda Elevate played a crucial role, with exports increasing by an impressive 340%. Nissan secured the third spot, driven by robust exports of the Magnite, which saw a 213% increase.
Factors Driving the Shift
Several factors contribute to this shift in India's vehicle export dynamics. The increasing popularity of SUVs among Indian buyers is mirrored in global markets. Compact SUVs, in particular, are in high demand due to their fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Moreover, the improving manufacturing quality in India has enabled companies to export to developed markets. Maruti Suzuki has even begun exporting its first electric vehicle, the eVitara, to Europe, marking a significant milestone for Indian manufacturing.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the impressive growth, some models have experienced a decline in exports. For instance, Kia Sonet's exports decreased by 55%, while Hyundai Alcazar saw a slight decrease of 16%. However, overall, the trend is positive, with total automobile exports from India rising by 19% to surpass an all-time high of 53 lakh units in FY25.
The shift towards SUV exports presents both challenges and opportunities for the Indian automotive industry. To sustain this growth, manufacturers need to focus on maintaining high quality standards, adapting to evolving global market demands, and investing in research and development to produce innovative and competitive UV models. As India continues to strengthen its position as an automotive manufacturing hub, the rise of SUV exports signifies a promising future for the industry.
