Maruti Suzuki's strategic pivot: Embracing SUVs as key growth drivers
ECONOMY & POLICY

Maruti Suzuki's strategic pivot: Embracing SUVs as key growth drivers

Maruti Suzuki India is embarking on a significant strategy shift to capitalize on the surging demand for SUVs in the Indian market. Over the next three years, starting from FY25, the company plans to introduce at least six new models, the majority being sports utility vehicles (SUVs). This move underscores Maruti Suzuki's commitment to aligning with evolving consumer preferences towards SUVs.

Insiders familiar with the company's plans reveal that these new launches will expand Maruti Suzuki's SUV lineup to approximately 30 models, including popular offerings like the Grand Vitara and Brezza. This initiative marks a pivotal step for Suzuki Motor's Indian subsidiary as it aims to double its annual production to 4 million vehicles by the end of the decade.

Maruti Suzuki's ambitious goal includes selling between 540,000 - 560,000 SUVs in FY26, a substantial increase from the estimated 440,000 units expected to be sold in the current fiscal year. While the company refrains from providing specific guidance on future models, it aims to cover a broad spectrum within the SUV segment, including micro SUVs, compact SUVs, compact electric SUVs, and two new four-meter SUV models.

The company's strategy resembles its past approach in the passenger car market, targeting various segments with models at different price points. Maruti Suzuki intends to fill all white spaces in the SUV segment, including micro SUVs, compact SUVs, and electric variants. Additionally, it plans to introduce two new four-meter SUV models to compete with Mahindra & Mahindra's popular XUV700.

Maruti Suzuki's foray into electric vehicles (EVs) is also gaining momentum, with four EVs in the pipeline. The first is slated to be the company's debut electric SUV, scheduled for launch in October. Positioned in the premium segment, this model is expected to be priced between Rs 2 million and Rs 2.5 million. Subsequent EV launches include a seven-seater electric SUV in March 2025, a small EV in May 2026, and an electric MPV derivative in October 2026.

Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki is developing additional models, including a micro-SUV, a small SUV, and a three-row MPV, set to hit the market in FY26 and FY27. The company also plans to launch new iterations of its popular models like the Swift/Dzire, Fronx facelift, and Baleno in the coming years.

In response to the growing trend towards electrification, Maruti Suzuki is incorporating hybrid technology into most of its models, which are priced up to INR 12 lakh. This move aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences while the company continues to explore pure EV options.

The shift towards SUVs reflects broader market trends, with SUVs accounting for 53% of India's passenger vehicle market in December 2023, up from 44% a year earlier. Maruti Suzuki's proactive stance in this segment has significantly boosted its overall sales, with SUVs now comprising 25% of its total sales compared to less than 10% two years ago.

Maruti Suzuki India is embarking on a significant strategy shift to capitalize on the surging demand for SUVs in the Indian market. Over the next three years, starting from FY25, the company plans to introduce at least six new models, the majority being sports utility vehicles (SUVs). This move underscores Maruti Suzuki's commitment to aligning with evolving consumer preferences towards SUVs. Insiders familiar with the company's plans reveal that these new launches will expand Maruti Suzuki's SUV lineup to approximately 30 models, including popular offerings like the Grand Vitara and Brezza. This initiative marks a pivotal step for Suzuki Motor's Indian subsidiary as it aims to double its annual production to 4 million vehicles by the end of the decade. Maruti Suzuki's ambitious goal includes selling between 540,000 - 560,000 SUVs in FY26, a substantial increase from the estimated 440,000 units expected to be sold in the current fiscal year. While the company refrains from providing specific guidance on future models, it aims to cover a broad spectrum within the SUV segment, including micro SUVs, compact SUVs, compact electric SUVs, and two new four-meter SUV models. The company's strategy resembles its past approach in the passenger car market, targeting various segments with models at different price points. Maruti Suzuki intends to fill all white spaces in the SUV segment, including micro SUVs, compact SUVs, and electric variants. Additionally, it plans to introduce two new four-meter SUV models to compete with Mahindra & Mahindra's popular XUV700. Maruti Suzuki's foray into electric vehicles (EVs) is also gaining momentum, with four EVs in the pipeline. The first is slated to be the company's debut electric SUV, scheduled for launch in October. Positioned in the premium segment, this model is expected to be priced between Rs 2 million and Rs 2.5 million. Subsequent EV launches include a seven-seater electric SUV in March 2025, a small EV in May 2026, and an electric MPV derivative in October 2026. Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki is developing additional models, including a micro-SUV, a small SUV, and a three-row MPV, set to hit the market in FY26 and FY27. The company also plans to launch new iterations of its popular models like the Swift/Dzire, Fronx facelift, and Baleno in the coming years. In response to the growing trend towards electrification, Maruti Suzuki is incorporating hybrid technology into most of its models, which are priced up to INR 12 lakh. This move aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences while the company continues to explore pure EV options. The shift towards SUVs reflects broader market trends, with SUVs accounting for 53% of India's passenger vehicle market in December 2023, up from 44% a year earlier. Maruti Suzuki's proactive stance in this segment has significantly boosted its overall sales, with SUVs now comprising 25% of its total sales compared to less than 10% two years ago.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?