Maruti Suzuki India Limited has marked a significant milestone by commencing the export of its Crossover SUV, Fronx, to Japan. This event is a proud moment for the ‘Make in India’ initiative, as the Fronx becomes the first ‘Made-in-India’ SUV from Maruti Suzuki to be launched in the Japanese market.
The first shipment, consisting of over 1,600 units, departed from Gujarat’s Pipavav port, signaling the beginning of Maruti Suzuki’s entry into Japan’s competitive and quality-driven automobile market. The Fronx, exclusively manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s state-of-the-art facility in Gujarat, is expected to hit the roads in Japan in the autumn of 2024, under the launch by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Maruti Suzuki’s parent company.
This development is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the growing global presence of Indian manufacturing. The Fronx is the second model from Maruti Suzuki to be exported to Japan, following the success of the Baleno in 2016. This move is seen as a testament to India’s capability to produce world-class vehicles that meet the highest international standards.
Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating, “I am proud to share that our ‘Made-in-India’ Fronx will soon be seen on the roads in Japan. Japan is one of the most quality-conscious and advanced automobile markets in the world. Our export to Japan is a testament of Maruti Suzuki’s capability to manufacture world-class vehicles that exemplify cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and internationally recognized safety and quality standards. It underscores our strong commitment to excellence. The Fronx embodies the best of engineering and design finesse and is a beacon of Indian auto manufacturing excellence. I am confident that it will be received well by Japanese customers.”
Maruti Suzuki has been a dominant player in India’s automotive export sector, holding a 42% share of the country’s passenger vehicle exports. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the company shipped over 280,000 units to more than 100 countries, reinforcing its position as India’s top passenger vehicle exporter. Notably, Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever export figures in the first quarter of FY 2024-25, with 70,560 units shipped, setting a new benchmark for the company.
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