Maruti Suzuki India has reached a significant milestone by starting the export of its newest sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Fronx, to Japan. This marks the first time the auto giant has launched an SUV in the Japanese market. The initial batch of over 1,600 Fronx units departed from Pipavav Port in Gujarat on August 13, 2024. The Fronx follows the Baleno as the second model to be exported to Japan from India, underscoring Maruti Suzuki’s expanding global footprint.
Exclusive Manufacturing at Gujarat Facility
The Fronx is being exclusively manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s state-of-the-art facility in Gujarat. This facility has been a hub of innovation and excellence, producing vehicles that meet the stringent quality and safety standards demanded by international markets. Suzuki Motor Corporation, which holds a 58% stake in Maruti Suzuki India, plans to introduce the Fronx to Japanese consumers later this year. This move highlights the strategic importance of India in Suzuki’s global operations.
A Testament to World-Class Quality
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized that the export of the Fronx to Japan is a testament to the company’s ability to manufacture vehicles that embody cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and internationally recognized safety and quality standards. He praised the Fronx as a symbol of Indian engineering and design excellence, expressing confidence that the vehicle will be well-received in the highly competitive and quality-conscious Japanese market.
Impressive Sales and Global Reach
Since its global unveiling at the Auto Expo 2023 and subsequent launch in India on April 24, 2023, the Fronx has achieved remarkable success. It became the first model to reach 1 lakh sales within 10 months of its launch in India. Maruti Suzuki began exporting the Fronx to regions including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa in July 2023, contributing to its total sales of over two lakh units globally.
In the previous fiscal year, Maruti Suzuki led passenger vehicle exports from India, shipping more than 2.8 lakh units to over 100 countries. The company currently holds a 42% share in India’s passenger vehicle export market. In the April-June quarter of the current fiscal year alone, Maruti Suzuki exported 70,560 units, setting a new record for Q1 exports.
Looking Ahead
The export of the Fronx to Japan is not just a commercial success but also a significant milestone in Maruti Suzuki’s journey to becoming a global leader in the automotive industry. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Maruti Suzuki continues to set new benchmarks, driving the Indian automotive industry onto the world stage.
