Maruti Suzuki aims to regain a 50 percent share of India’s passenger vehicle market, a level it last held in FY2019. Its share has since fallen to around 40 percent, as competitors capitalised on the rapid shift toward SUVs.
Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said India remains Suzuki’s most critical market globally. “We remain committed to achieving a 50 percent market share and becoming number one in electric vehicle production, sales and exports,” Suzuki told reporters on the sidelines of the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
- Small cars to remain Maruti’s foundation
- Diversified powertrain mix to bridge transition to EVs
- Expanding SUV and MPV portfolio
Small cars remain at the core
Balancing affordability with evolving demand
Small cars remain central to Maruti Suzuki’s strategy. The company’s managing director and chief executive officer, Hisashi Takeuchi, previously said that “small cars will remain our core business,” while its chairman, RC Bhargava, had reiterated that the company “will never forget customers who cannot afford expensive cars”.
Maruti is also developing a new micro SUV positioned below the Brezza to rival the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. The model will target budget-conscious buyers looking for SUV styling at an accessible price point, allowing Maruti to maintain its focus on affordability while adapting to evolving customer preferences and regulatory requirements.
Multi-fuel, multi-powertrain strategy
CNG and hybrid models to bridge the gap till EVs arrive
While several rivals are accelerating their shift to electric vehicles, Maruti Suzuki is taking a more diversified route. Its portfolio will continue to include petrol, CNG, hybrid and flex-fuel models, alongside a gradual rollout of EVs.
The company plans to launch four electric vehicles by 2030, starting with the e Vitara SUV this year. Until then, hybrid and CNG models are expected to account for the bulk of its sales. The Grand Vitara and Invicto already use Toyota’s strong hybrid technology, and factory-fitted CNG options are available across most of Maruti’s high-volume models.
A flex-fuel version of the Fronx showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, capable of running on petrol with up to 85 percent ethanol content, is also expected to launch in India next year.
SUVs: The core growth driver
Expanding presence in India’s largest vehicle segment
Maruti Suzuki lost ground during India’s SUV boom, as Hyundai, Tata Motors and Mahindra grew faster with new launches. SUVs now account for about 60 percent of passenger vehicle sales.
To address this gap, the company has lined up nine new SUVs and MPVs for launch by 2028. The plan spans sub-4-metre, midsize and 3-row models, along with EV derivatives based on the e Vitara platform.
Maruti also plans to expand production capacity to four million units annually by 2030, including exports. The additional capacity will support its SUV and MPV pipeline, though sustained demand will be crucial in an increasingly competitive market.
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