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Sub-four-metre SUVs form the major part of shipments as nearly 62 per cent of all UVs exported from India fall into this category
The country’s role in the global automobile trade is undergoing a major shuffle with utility vehicles emerging as the new export backbone. For the first time on record, exports of UVs which include SUVs, MPVs and MUVs have overtaken traditional passenger cars – replicating the same change already witnessed in the domestic market.
The turning point became evident in November 2025 when utility vehicle exports stood at 42,993 units – well ahead of passenger car exports at 40,519 units. While cars have historically dominated India’s overseas shipments, momentum is now decisively swinging toward UVs – courtesy of the changing consumer preferences across multiple global regions just like India.
Looking at longer term data highlights how recent this change is. In FY2023-24, India exported around 4.3 lakh passenger cars compared to 2.3 lakh utility vehicles – indicating how cars previously led by a wide margin. However, between April and November 2025, UV exports surged from 2.22 lakh units to 2.88 lakh units on a year-on-year basis.
The massive increase in numbers outpaces the growth seen in passenger cars which rose from 2.71 lakh to 3.04 lakh units over the same period. If the trend continues, FY2025-26 will become the first full financial year where UV exports surpass car exports on an annual basis. Maruti Suzuki continues to play a decisive role in shaping this export landscape.
The Indo-Japs contribute more than 47 per cent of India’s total passenger vehicle export. In the passenger car category alone, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai together account for roughly 81 per cent of exports in the current fiscal. In the UV category, Maruti again leads by a significant margin, with Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai also consolidating their export presence.
Sub-four-metre models form the major part of shipments due to their lower emissions, better fuel efficiency and wider global acceptance. Nearly 62 per cent of all utility vehicles exported from India fall into the compact category while eight of the top ten exported passenger vehicles overall are under four metres in length.
Maruti Suzuki, in particular, sees high demand for the locally-made five-door Jimny in the international arena – although its reception in the domestic market has been modest. A few months ago, it began shipping its first-ever EV, the e Vitara, to several countries abroad and its sales in India will commence next month.
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