PM Launches Maruti Suzuki’s First EV for Global Export

28 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Prime Minister also celebrated the commencement of local manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells and electrodes for hybrid electric vehicles at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), a fellow subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki.

The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Keiichi Ono, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki Chairman Mr R.C. Bhargava, and Managing Director & CEO Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, along with other dignitaries from government and industry.

e VITARA: A Global EV from India

Maruti Suzuki’s e VITARA will be India’s largest mass-produced and exported electric vehicle, showcasing a breakthrough in India's transition from being an EV importer to a manufacturing hub. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine conversions, the e VITARA is built on a dedicated EV platform, avoiding the compromises typically associated with adapted models.

The car is the result of an Indo-Japanese collaboration that blends Suzuki’s technological expertise with India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. It was previewed earlier in Milan and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi.

Global Export Rollout

The first batch of the e VITARA will be shipped from Gujarat’s Pipavav Port to multiple European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, and others.

Localised Battery Manufacturing

In a landmark achievement, TDSG has become India’s first company to localise lithium-ion battery cells at the electrode level (both cathode and anode). These batteries will power Maruti Suzuki’s strong hybrid electric models such as the Grand Vitara, marking a leap toward self-reliance in the electrified powertrain segment.

This localisation effort is aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, focusing on building local supply chains, enhancing technical capabilities, and creating scale in India’s green mobility ecosystem.

Leadership Commentary

Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, stated:

“We are honoured by the Prime Minister’s presence at this historic moment. His leadership has inspired Suzuki to invest in India. These milestones are a testament to the Indo-Japanese partnership and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and oil dependence through BEVs, hybrids, CNG, and biofuel vehicles.”

With the launch of e VITARA and localised lithium battery production, Maruti Suzuki takes a significant step towards leading India’s electric mobility future and reinforcing its global manufacturing footprint.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commemorated the start of production of Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. The milestone marks India’s significant push in EV manufacturing, with the e VITARA set to be exported to over 100 countries.The Prime Minister also celebrated the commencement of local manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells and electrodes for hybrid electric vehicles at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), a fellow subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki.The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Keiichi Ono, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki Chairman Mr R.C. Bhargava, and Managing Director & CEO Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, along with other dignitaries from government and industry.e VITARA: A Global EV from IndiaMaruti Suzuki’s e VITARA will be India’s largest mass-produced and exported electric vehicle, showcasing a breakthrough in India's transition from being an EV importer to a manufacturing hub. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine conversions, the e VITARA is built on a dedicated EV platform, avoiding the compromises typically associated with adapted models.The car is the result of an Indo-Japanese collaboration that blends Suzuki’s technological expertise with India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. It was previewed earlier in Milan and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi.Global Export RolloutThe first batch of the e VITARA will be shipped from Gujarat’s Pipavav Port to multiple European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, and others.Localised Battery ManufacturingIn a landmark achievement, TDSG has become India’s first company to localise lithium-ion battery cells at the electrode level (both cathode and anode). These batteries will power Maruti Suzuki’s strong hybrid electric models such as the Grand Vitara, marking a leap toward self-reliance in the electrified powertrain segment.This localisation effort is aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, focusing on building local supply chains, enhancing technical capabilities, and creating scale in India’s green mobility ecosystem.Leadership CommentaryMr Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, stated:“We are honoured by the Prime Minister’s presence at this historic moment. His leadership has inspired Suzuki to invest in India. These milestones are a testament to the Indo-Japanese partnership and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and oil dependence through BEVs, hybrids, CNG, and biofuel vehicles.”With the launch of e VITARA and localised lithium battery production, Maruti Suzuki takes a significant step towards leading India’s electric mobility future and reinforcing its global manufacturing footprint.

Technology

28 Aug 2025

Godrej Enterprises Group Launches SafeLog IoT Solution for Forklifts

Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), through its Material Handling Equipment (MHE) business, has introduced SafeLog – Vehicle Monitoring System, an IoT-enabled solution aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability in forklift operations. The system delivers real-time insights, proactive maintenance alerts, and fleet analytics, enabling businesses to reduce unplanned downtime by 10 per cent and enhance asset utilisation by 15 per cent. Integrated into GEG’s forklift range, SafeLog is designed for seamless scalability and reliability, even in low-connectivity environments. Data is ..

Infrastructure Transport

28 Aug 2025

India Targets 350 Airports by 2047: Aviation Minister

Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has announced the central government’s ambitious plan to expand India’s aviation network to 350 airports by 2047 as part of the country’s long-term development vision for a Viksit Bharat.Speaking at the Eastern Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said India currently operates 162 airports, and the government aims to more than double this number over the next two decades.“Aviation is a critical pillar of Viksit Bharat. No other sector is witnessing the kind of growth we see in civil avia..

Infrastructure Urban

28 Aug 2025

CCI Clears PSA India’s Full Buyout of PSA Bharat

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of an additional 40 per cent stake in PSA Bharat Investments Pte. Ltd. by PSA India Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based investment holding company. The acquisition, from AIN Investment Ltd., will result in PSA India becoming the 100 per cent owner of PSA Bharat.The transaction consolidates PSA India’s control over PSA Bharat, which is also headquartered in Singapore and holds investments in Indian subsidiaries engaged in container terminal services.The acquirer, PSA India, is a subsidiary of PSA International Pte. Ltd.,..