Aim to be No.1 in India in Sales, Production and Exports of EVs: Suzuki Motor

Presenting the new mid-term management plan "By Your Side," Suzuki Motor Corporation’s investor presentation revealed that Maruti Suzuki will aim for 50% market share as market leader in the Indian automobile industry with 4 million units of annual manufacturing capacity to meet demand in India and expand as a global export hub.

“The company aims to be number 1 in production, exports, and sales of BEVs,” said the company. 

The yet-to-be-launched E-Vitara has been designed for the global markets with the aim of using India as the key manufacturing and export base for its electric vehicles. The model will be shipped back to Japan and Europe with a Suzuki badge, and the EV made by Maruti Suzuki will also sport a Toyota badge in India and globally. Sources say of the 1.5 lakh units of E-Vitara production planned annually, about 70-80% is allocated for overseas markets.

On Suzuki’s business position in the country, the parent said, “The most important market (India) will continue to grow and serve as the engine for Suzuki’s future growth. The competitive environment is becoming increasingly severe, and the quality of product functions, equipment, and services required by customers is increasing."

The company will look to improve Maruti Suzuki’s product planning and development capabilities to develop and introduce products that better match the preferences of Indian customers “in a timely manner.”

On the product portfolio front, while the company has pruned its future product portfolio to four models from six guided earlier, Suzuki stressed that the company will strengthen its product capabilities and lineup in the SUV and MPV segments.

“The company will rapidly develop and introduce entry-segment products that meet the preferences of entry-model customers and introduce BEV/HEV/CNG (CBG)/FFV, etc., best suited to local conditions for each region in India. The company will expand the BEV Battery Electric Vehicle lineup starting with e VITARA, aiming to launch 4 BEV models by FY2030.”

On the sales and service front, Suzuki Motor will progressively define the roles of its two sales channels. Nexa will be more premium-oriented, while Arena will represent a wider customer base and aim to provide a comfortable customer experience.

Even as a new manufacturing facility comes on stream in Kharkhoda, Haryana, Suzuki will respond to growing domestic demand in India and play a role as a global export hub by expanding its supply chain and production capacity (with both the Kharkhoda Plant and the new Gujarat Plant).

According to the investor presentation, the company will "monitor market conditions and gradually build 4 million units per year capacity at the appropriate time,” which indicates that new factory commissioning will match the domestic market growth momentum.