Maruti Suzuki Begins India-Made e Vitara’s Exports to Europe

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has kicked off exports of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e Vitara, from Pipavav Port in Gujarat. 

The company dispatched around 2,900 units to 12 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Norway, marking a key milestone in the 'Make in India' initiative. 

The move comes amid growing global demand for sustainable mobility and positions India as an emerging hub for EV manufacturing.

Export Milestone Signals Global Reach

The eVITARA, manufactured exclusively at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility, is set to expand to over 100 countries in the future. The initial shipment, which began in August, targets nations like Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Austria, and Belgium, reflecting the company’s ambition to tap into the region’s growing EV market. 

This follows successful previews of the vehicle in Milan, Italy, and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, where it garnered significant attention.

The export drive is part of Suzuki’s broader roadmap to establish India as a global production centre for the e Vitara, leveraging the country’s manufacturing capabilities and cost advantages. 

With Europe’s stringent emission norms and rising EV adoption, the e Vitara entry is expected to challenge established players like Volkswagen and Tesla in the compact SUV segment.

The company’s managing director has expressed confidence that the e Vitara will meet the expectations of customers worldwide, particularly in terms of its electric powertrain and driving dynamics. 

Government Backing Strengthens Export Push

Maruti’s event at Hansalpur last week saw the Prime Minister commend the company’s efforts, reinforcing the government’s 'Make in India, Make for the World' vision. The initiative aligns with national goals to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and boost the EV ecosystem, with incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme playing a key role. 

The Gujarat plant, a cornerstone of this strategy, has been upgraded to handle large-scale EV production, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening local supply chains.