Utility Vehicle Exports from India Surpass Passenger Cars for First Time

India's automotive export landscape is experiencing a significant transformation as utility vehicles are replacing conventional passenger cars in international shipments, marking a departure from the country's established identity as a compact-car export centre, says a report by the Times of India. This transition reflects developments within the domestic market, where sports utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles and multi-utility vehicles have achieved substantial popularity, particularly amongst first-time purchasers. 

This consumption pattern is evident in export statistics, with India establishing itself as a production centre for premium-segment vehicles.

November saw a decisive turning point. For the first recorded instance, exports of utility vehicles manufactured in India surpassed passenger car shipments across all categories. UV exports reached 42,993 units throughout the month, versus 40,519 units of passenger cars, decisively tilting the export composition towards utility vehicles.

Until recently, cars dominated India's export portfolio, but during FY24, passenger car exports amounted to 4.3 lakh units, approximately double the 2.3 lakh units of utility vehicles dispatched internationally.

This differential has contracted sharply during the current year. From April through November 2025, car exports increased to 3.04 lakh units from 2.71 lakh units during the corresponding period previously. Utility vehicle exports, conversely, expanded at a considerably accelerated rate, rising to 2.88 lakh units from 2.22 lakh units year-on-year.

Industry experts indicate the present trend suggests utility vehicles could eclipse cars on an annual basis within forthcoming months. FY26 is broadly anticipated to become the inaugural fiscal year wherein UV exports officially exceed passenger car exports from India.

Maruti Suzuki maintains its position as the predominant player in India's vehicle exports, representing over 47 per cent of all passenger vehicles dispatched overseas, encompassing cars, UVs and vans. Within the passenger car category, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai collectively constitute approximately 81 per cent of total exports thus far during the current fiscal year.

Regarding utility vehicles, Maruti Suzuki commands a substantial lead, with Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai representing other major exporters. Maruti's UV export volumes approximate the aggregate shipments of all remaining manufacturers within the segment.

The company states that compact dimensions continue to characterise India's export approach across vehicle configurations, whether hatchbacks, saloons or SUVs, as smaller vehicles typically deliver superior fuel economy and generate reduced CO2 emissions.

Sub-four-metre SUVs represent approximately 62 per cent of aggregate utility vehicle exports, emphasising the prevalence of compact models. Whilst exports of India-manufactured electric vehicles increase, smaller formats maintain their leadership. 

Eight amongst the ten most-exported passenger vehicles from India measure below four metres in length, reinforcing the country's expanding position as a worldwide centre for compact, premium-value vehicles rather than solely entry-level cars.