Mahindra & Mahindra plans to export its electric vehicles (EVs) to the United Kingdom, capitalising on new trade opportunities following the finalisation of the India–UK free trade agreement. Group CEO and Managing Director Anish Shah said the move will strengthen Mahindra’s global footprint and leverage its strong position in India’s EV market, where the company expects electric vehicles to account for 30 per cent of overall sales by 2030.

The Mumbai-based automaker set up Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E) in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in 2022 as a conceptual hub for its electric product portfolio. Shah noted that India has the potential to become the world’s automobile manufacturing hub, supported by policy reforms, lower logistics costs and improved ease of doing business.

He said the FTA balances multiple priorities: opening India’s market to UK goods while expanding Indian exports across industries. For Mahindra, this creates an opportunity to secure a bigger share of the UK auto market through EV exports.

Shah added that India’s auto industry can compete globally, with domestic firms capable of producing high-quality vehicles at lower costs. He welcomed the entry of global EV players such as Tesla and Vinfast into India, stating that increased competition has historically helped Mahindra grow stronger. “We’ve survived and thrived despite global entrants, and today we stand in a stronger position,” he said.

Mahindra’s SUV market share has risen from 11 per cent to 27 per cent, with a 5.7 percentage point increase in the last quarter alone. The company is focusing on developing the best products to maintain leadership, expanding both its domestic SUV portfolio and international presence. Future plans may include smaller SUVs and selective acquisitions, such as its stake in SML, which bolstered its truck business.

Shah also addressed supply chain challenges, including rare earth magnet shortages, noting that Mahindra is exploring alternatives and that government efforts are underway to diversify supply sources. “We feel confident of managing these disruptions and moving forward,” he said.