India's auto exports zoom 22% in Q1 on record car shipments; Maruti grabs nearly half the pie

India’s automobile exports witnessed a robust 22% YoY growth in the April-June quarter, driven by record passenger vehicle shipments and strong performance across two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Overall exports across all vehicle categories reached 1,457,461 units in Q1 of FY26, an increase from 1,192,566 units during the same period last year. Passenger vehicle exports hit an all-time high of 204,330 units in Q1, marking a 13% rise from 180,483 units in the corresponding period of the previous year. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) attributed this growth in passenger vehicle exports to stable demand in most global markets, with particularly strong performance observed in regions such as the Middle East and Latin America. SIAM also noted that a rebound in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal, increasing demand from Japan, and higher shipments under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with nations like Australia further bolstered the overall export momentum.
Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker, led passenger vehicle exports in Q1 with shipments of 96,181 units, representing a substantial increase of over 37% from 69,962 units in the April-June quarter last year. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, at Maruti Suzuki, highlighted that the company has been leading India's passenger vehicle exports for the past four years, with its share in exports steadily increasing to a historic high of over 47% in Q1 FY26. Bharti further commented that Maruti Suzuki's export volumes rose over 37% in the quarter, contrasting with a 2% decline for the rest of the industry. Hyundai Motor India also saw significant growth, exporting 48,140 units during the quarter, a 13% increase from 42,600 units in the same period last year. Two-wheeler exports climbed to 1,136,942 units in the April-June period, a 23% rise over the 923,148 units shipped in the year-ago quarter. Similarly, commercial vehicle exports also experienced a 23% YoY increase, with total shipments reaching 19,427 units in Q1. Three-wheeler exports surged by 34% to 95,796 units during the quarter compared to the same period last fiscal.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.