+
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
Resources

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Next Story
Real Estate

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Next Story
Real Estate

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement