SUVs overtake cars in India’s export basket for the first time

Indian auto exports are undergoing a quiet but significant shift. Commercial vehicles are steadily replacing traditional passenger cars in overseas shipments, signaling the country is moving away from its long-held reputation as an export hub for small cars.The change reflects trends in the domestic market, where SUVs, MPVs and MUVs have gained strong popularity, including among first-time buyers. That demand pattern is now clearly reflected in export data, with India increasingly positioning itself as a manufacturing base for higher value vehicles.

November marked a clear turning point. For the first time ever, exports of Indian-built commercial vehicles surpassed passenger car deliveries across all segments. UV exports this month amounted to 42,993 units, compared to 40,519 units of passenger cars, tilting the export mix decisively in favor of commercial vehicles.

Until recently, cars dominated India’s export basket. In FY24, passenger vehicle exports totaled 4.3 lakh units, almost double the 2.3 lakh units of commercial vehicles shipped abroad.That difference has narrowed rapidly this year. Between April and November 2025, auto exports rose to 3.04 lakh units from 2.71 lakh units in the same period last year. However, commercial vehicle exports grew much faster, rising to 2.88 lakh units from 2.22 lakh a year earlier.

Industry analysts say the current trajectory suggests commercial vehicles could overtake cars a full year in the coming months. FY26 is widely expected to be the first fiscal year in which UV exports formally surpass India’s passenger car exports.

Maruti Suzuki remains the dominant force in Indian car exports, accounting for more than 47% of all passenger vehicles shipped abroad, including cars, UV vehicles and vans. In the passenger car segment, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai together account for about 81% of total exports so far this fiscal. In commercial vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has a commanding lead, while Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai emerge as other major exporters. Maruti’s UV export volumes are almost equal to the combined shipments of all other manufacturers in the segment.

According to the company, compactness continues to define India’s export strategy for all body styles, be it hatchbacks, sedans or SUVs, as smaller vehicles tend to be more fuel efficient and produce lower CO2 emissions.

SUVs under four meters account for around 62% of total commercial vehicle exports, underscoring the dominance of compact models. Even as exports of Indian-built electric vehicles rise, smaller sizes continue to lead the way. Eight of the 10 largest passenger cars exported from India are less than four meters in length, reinforcing the country’s growing role as a global hub for compact, higher-end vehicles rather than just entry-level cars.

With inputs from TOI