The automotive industry is actively discussing the potential impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, a senior Maruti Suzuki official stated on Tuesday.
“There are three Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) currently under discussion, each with distinct needs, contexts, and sectoral focuses. The Ministry will strive to take the best possible approach. The industry remains engaged in discussions with the government, and we are confident that the authorities are well aware of the matter, including the associated nuances and risks,” said Rahul Bharti, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Limited.
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, reported record-breaking sales of 22,34,366 units in FY25, reflecting a 4.6% year-on-year growth compared to 21,35,323 units in FY24. The company’s exports accounted for 3,32,585 units, with growth primarily driven by strong demand for utility vehicles.
A significant milestone for the company was the expansion of its CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) portfolio, which surpassed the 6 million mark in FY25, with total CNG vehicle sales reaching approximately 6.3 million units.
Looking ahead, Maruti Suzuki projects that the passenger vehicle industry will grow by 1-2% in FY26. “As per SIAM, the industry is expected to witness a 1-2% growth in the upcoming fiscal year,” stated Partho Banerjee, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki.
Earlier this year, the automaker unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV), the eVitara, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January.
However, on a global scale, EV sales have experienced a slowdown. Banerjee attributed this sluggish adoption to inadequate infrastructure.
“Electric vehicles are currently considered secondary cars rather than primary vehicles. Until key concerns such as driving range, charging infrastructure, and after-sales service are addressed, consumer confidence in EVs as primary vehicles will remain low. This is why EV adoption is progressing at a slower pace,” he explained. Banerjee emphasized that instilling consumer confidence is a shared responsibility between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the government.
To encourage EV adoption, Maruti Suzuki is set to introduce various solutions alongside its first EV, the eVitara.
