Suzuki set to overtake Honda in global sales, powered by Maruti Suzuki’s India dominance

Suzuki Motor is projected to overtake Honda Motor in global sales for the first time, becoming Japan’s second-largest automaker by volume. This shift highlights India’s growing role in the global automotive sector, as Maruti Suzuki now accounts for the majority of Suzuki’s worldwide sales.

Key Highlights

• Suzuki projects global sales of 3.55 million vehicles for FY2026-27
• Nearly 60 percent of Suzuki’s global sales now come from India via Maruti Suzuki
• India’s vehicle exports rose 35 percent to 448000 units in FY2025
• Suzuki plans to boost India production capacity by over 50 percent to 4 million units by FY2030

India’s Impact on Suzuki’s Global Sales

For the fiscal year ending March 2027 (FY2026-27), Suzuki expects to sell 3.55 million vehicles globally, a 7% increase from previous figures. Honda, in comparison, forecasts global sales of 3.39 million units for the same period. Nearly 60% of Suzuki’s global vehicle sales now come from India through Maruti Suzuki.

The Indian passenger vehicle market has shown strong growth. In FY2025, new vehicle sales in India rose 9% to a record 5.72 million units. This expansion has helped Suzuki maintain momentum globally, even as other markets face challenges. Suzuki reported record financial results for FY2025, with revenue up 8% to 6.29 trillion yen and net profit up 6% to 439.2 billion yen.

Competitive Landscape and Market Share

Maruti Suzuki remains India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, but its market share has declined from over 60% as competition has intensified. Brands like Mahindra and Tata Motors have gained ground, especially in the SUV segment. Hyundai also remains a strong competitor with its SUV lineup.

Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki has acknowledged the increasing competition. He stated the company will focus on building products that customers appreciate, rather than pursuing rankings. Meanwhile, Honda and Toyota have announced new expansion plans in India starting from 2028. Honda plans to launch a sub-4-meter SUV and a midsize SUV. Toyota aims to open a new manufacturing facility in Maharashtra by 2029 and intends to triple production volumes to 1 million units annually by the 2030s.

Production Capacity and Export Growth

Suzuki plans to increase its annual production capacity in India by over 50% to 4 million units by FY2030. The company expects to reach a capacity of 2.9 million units during the first half of the current financial year. India is also becoming a key export hub for Suzuki. Vehicle exports from India rose 35% in FY2025 to 448,000 units. Suzuki aims to expand exports to regions such as Africa, where demand remains strong.

Low labor costs, improved manufacturing, and a growing supplier base are making India a vital production base for Suzuki and other global automakers. These developments show that India is now central to the global strategies of Japanese automotive brands, not just a domestic growth market.

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CarBike 360 Says

Suzuki’s steady climb in global sales reflects the growing importance of India in the automotive landscape. With Maruti Suzuki maintaining its leadership and expanding its portfolio, Suzuki is well-positioned to edge past Honda. If current trends hold, this shift could redefine global rankings and highlight emerging markets as the true drivers of future automotive growth.