Maruti Suzuki Begins e-Vitara Shipments to Europe: A Major Step in India’s EV Export Journey

India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, has achieved a major milestone by commencing the shipment of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, to Europe. This development not only highlights the brand’s growing global ambitions but also cements India’s position as a hub for next-generation electric vehicle production.

In August 2025, the company shipped more than 2,900 units of the e-Vitara from Pipavav Port in Gujarat to 12 European countries, including major EV markets like the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, France, and Denmark.

What Makes the e-Vitara Special?

The e-Vitara is more than just another SUV; it is a flagship product for Suzuki’s electrification journey.

• Dedicated EV Platform: Unlike modified ICE platforms, the HEARTECT-e ensures better range, safety, and space utilization.
• Focus on Safety: The SUV is built with global safety standards in mind, catering to stringent European regulations.
• Driving Experience: Engineered for agile handling, making it suitable for urban and highway driving in Europe.
• Global Outlook: While India is the production hub, the model is designed with a global audience in mind, ensuring appeal beyond domestic consumers.

Quick Summary Table

Launch Ceremony and Prime Minister’s Recognition

The start of e-Vitara exports follows a high-profile event at Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing facility in Hansalpur, Gujarat, on 26 August 2025. The event was graced by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who hailed Maruti Suzuki as a brand ambassador of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The Prime Minister emphasized how the e-Vitara represents the government’s push toward sustainable mobility and the larger mission of making India a global hub for advanced automotive technology. His recognition of Maruti Suzuki underscored the company’s role in driving both economic growth and technological innovation.

Export Details: 12 European Countries in First Phase

The first shipment of 2,900+ units of the e-Vitara was flagged off from Pipavav Port, Gujarat, to a total of 12 countries in Europe, including:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Norway
• France
• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Austria
• Belgium

These countries were carefully chosen given their strong EV adoption rates and supportive government policies on green mobility.

Manufacturing Excellence at Gujarat Plant

The e-Vitara is exclusively manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility, which has been positioned as the global production hub for this electric SUV.

• The Hansalpur plant is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities tailored for EV manufacturing.
• Maruti Suzuki has integrated a robust quality assurance process to meet global safety and performance standards.
• The export plan also demonstrates Suzuki Motor Corporation’s strategy of leveraging India’s cost-effective production capabilities for global markets.

CEO’s Statement: World-Class EV for Global Markets

Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, expressed pride in the milestone, noting that recognition from the Prime Minister was “the highest possible honour.”

He highlighted key features of the e-Vitara:

• Built on the HEARTECT-e platform: A dedicated EV architecture designed for safety, performance, and efficiency.
• Advanced design language: Combines futuristic technology with strength and robustness.
• Driving experience: Promises nimble handling, sharp responses, and driving pleasure suited for European roads.

Takeuchi emphasized that to serve over 100 countries worldwide, the e-Vitara had to be “truly world-class in terms of technology, design, safety, and performance.”

Significance of e-Vitara for Maruti Suzuki and India

The export of the e-Vitara marks a strategic step forward for India’s EV ecosystem. Some of its broader implications include:

1. Boost to ‘Make in India’: Reinforces India’s role in global supply chains for advanced electric mobility solutions.
2. Strengthening India’s Export Potential: With Europe as the first destination, Maruti Suzuki may expand exports to other international markets in the coming years.
3. Competitive Edge in EV Market: Maruti Suzuki’s entry into BEVs helps it compete with global giants like Tesla, Hyundai, and Volkswagen in electric SUV segments.
4. Sustainability Push: Supports India’s national vision of reducing carbon emissions and adopting clean technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara?

It is Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric SUV, built on the dedicated HEARTECT-e EV platform.

Q2. Where is the e-Vitara manufactured?

The SUV is exclusively manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, India.

Q3. Which countries are receiving the first shipment?

Twelve European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, and others, are part of the initial export list.

Q4. How many units were shipped in the first batch?

More than 2,900 units were shipped in the initial export batch from Pipavav Port, Gujarat.

Q5. Why is this shipment significant?

It marks India’s entry as a global EV exporter and strengthens Maruti Suzuki’s role as a ‘Make in India’ brand ambassador.

Conclusion

The shipment of the e-Vitara to Europe is not just a milestone for Maruti Suzuki but also a significant achievement for India’s automotive industry. As the country’s first mass-exported electric SUV, the e-Vitara underscores the progress of ‘Make in India’ in the EV sector.

By manufacturing in Gujarat and exporting to key European nations, Maruti Suzuki has set the stage for India to emerge as a leading hub for electric mobility solutions. With more countries and models expected to join the export portfolio, the e-Vitara is just the beginning of a larger transformation.

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