India’s automotive industry achieved record passenger vehicle exports in FY25, with Maruti Suzuki leading the charge by shipping 332,585 units. Hyundai secured the second spot, while Nissan, Honda Cars India, and Volkswagen also ranked among the top exporters. Looking ahead, both Maruti and Hyundai are set to expand their export volumes significantly by 2030, aligning with the government’s vision to strengthen India’s presence in global automotive trade.
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India’s automotive industry marked a significant milestone in FY25, setting a new record for passenger vehicle exports. This achievement underscores the growing global recognition of India’s manufacturing capabilities, with leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mahindra & Mahindra leveraging their production facilities to serve sophisticated and mature international markets.
According to industry estimates, Indian automakers exported between 755,000 and 765,000 vehicles in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. This represents a substantial increase of 12-14% over the 672,000 units exported in the previous year. The previous record for passenger vehicle exports was set in the pre-pandemic fiscal year FY19, at 676,000 units. This remarkable growth highlights India’s rising stature as a global manufacturing hub, with automakers expanding their export footprint across multiple continents.
Maruti Suzuki Leads the Charge
Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, emerged as the top car exporter in FY25, shipping 332,585 units. The company accounted for over 43% of the country’s total vehicle exports, reinforcing its dominance in both the domestic and international markets.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, emphasized the significance of India’s growing role in global automobile manufacturing. He pointed out that Maruti Suzuki had successfully exported models such as the five-door Jimny and the Fronx to Japan, the home market of its parent company, Suzuki. “These vehicles have been well received internationally, which is a testament to India’s increasing competence as a manufacturing hub,” Takeuchi said.
Maruti Suzuki currently exports 17 models to over 100 countries, making significant inroads into various markets worldwide. The company’s aggressive export strategy aligns with its long-term vision to expand India’s automotive footprint on the global stage.
PV units export from FY20 to FY25
Source: SIAM, Provisional (*)
Hyundai’s Expanding Export Operations
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), India’s second-largest car exporter, also posted impressive export figures in FY25. The South Korean automaker exported approximately 163,000 units, shipping vehicles to about 60 countries. Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru emerged as Hyundai’s top export destinations by volume.
Unsoo Kim, MD of Hyundai Motor India, highlighted India’s strategic importance in Hyundai’s global supply chain. “India serves as our largest export hub outside South Korea, demonstrating the country’s ability to manufacture world-class vehicles at competitive costs,” Kim stated.
Together, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai accounted for nearly two-thirds of all passenger vehicles exported from India in FY25, further cementing their leadership in the Indian automotive industry.
Competitive Landscape and Emerging Players
While Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai dominate the export market, other automakers, including Nissan, Honda Cars India, and Volkswagen, also secured significant export shares. According to industry data, Nissan commanded 9% of India’s vehicle exports, followed by Honda at 8% and Volkswagen at 6%. These manufacturers continue to strengthen their global presence by leveraging India’s cost-effective and high-quality production capabilities.
Meanwhile, homegrown automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra maintained relatively modest export volumes. Tata Motors accounted for just 0.3% of total exports, while Mahindra & Mahindra held a 1.9% share. Despite their smaller export contributions, these companies are investing in expanding their international footprint.
Focus on Export-Driven Expansion
With exports gaining momentum, Indian automakers are making strategic investments to bolster their global presence. Maruti Suzuki has unveiled an ambitious plan to triple its export volume by 2030, in line with the Indian government’s push for a greater role in global automotive trade. The company is investing INR 45,000 crore to double its annual production capacity to 4 million units by the decade’s end. Of this, 3 million units will cater to the domestic market, while 750,000-800,000 units will be designated for exports.
Hyundai is also ramping up its exports, with plans to scale production once its second factory in Talegaon becomes operational next year. This facility is expected to significantly boost Hyundai’s export capacity, reinforcing India’s status as a key manufacturing base for the company.
Automobile Exports Trends
| Category | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles | 6,76,192 | 6,62,118 | 4,04,397 | 5,77,875 | 6,62,891 | 6,72,105 |
| Commercial Vehicles | 99,933 | 60,379 | 50,334 | 92,297 | 78,645 | 65,816 |
| Three Wheelers | 5,67,683 | 5,01,651 | 3,93,001 | 4,99,730 | 3,65,549 | 2,99,977 |
| Two Wheelers | 32,80,841 | 35,19,405 | 32,82,786 | 44,43,131 | 36,52,122 | 34,58,416 |
| Quadricycles | 4,400 | 5,185 | 3,529 | 4,326 | 2,280 | 4,178 |
| Grand Total | 46,29,049 | 47,48,738 | 41,34,047 | 56,17,359 | 47,61,487 | 45,00,492 |
Source: SIAM, figures in number of units*
Government’s Push for Higher Export Contribution
The Indian government has set an ambitious target for the automotive industry: increasing exports to 25% of total vehicle production by 2030, up from 14% in FY23. This initiative aims to position India as a global automotive powerhouse, capable of competing with established manufacturing giants.
This goal comes in the wake of China’s rapid rise in the global automotive market. China exported a record 5.86 million vehicles last year, marking a 19% increase driven primarily by the growing demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs). To keep pace with China’s dominance, India is focusing on strengthening its manufacturing infrastructure and enhancing export-oriented production capabilities.
India’s record-breaking vehicle exports in FY25 signify a crucial step toward becoming a dominant player in the global automotive industry. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai continue to spearhead this growth, with other automakers also expanding their export reach. The government’s push for increased exports, coupled with strategic investments by leading manufacturers, is expected to further elevate India’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub. As the country continues to enhance its production capabilities and market reach, India is poised to play an even more significant role in the international automotive landscape in the years to come.
