India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, closed the year on a high note, reporting a robust 24.1% year-on-year growth in domestic passenger vehicle sales for December 2024. The company sold 130,117 units, a significant increase from the 104,778 units sold during the same month last year. The growth was spread across all segments, reaffirming Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in the Indian automobile market.
Impressive Domestic and Export Performance
Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales surged across categories in December 2024. The company sold:
- 62,788 passenger cars, which include popular models like the Swift, Dzire, and Ciaz, compared to 48,787 units sold in December 2023.
- 55,651 utility vehicles, such as the Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny, and XL6, marking a rise from 45,957 units sold during the same period last year.
On the export front, Maruti Suzuki reported a remarkable 39.1% growth, shipping 37,419 units in December 2024 compared to 26,884 units in the same month last year.
Year-to-Date Sales: Marginal Decline
Despite the December surge, Maruti Suzuki’s cumulative sales for the financial year 2024-25 (till December 2024) stood at 1,275,634 units, slightly lower than the 1,280,090 units sold during the same period in FY23-24. This marginal decline reflects challenges in the automotive industry, including supply chain disruptions and changing consumer preferences.
Maruti Suzuki’s Entry into the EV Market: The e Vitara
In a significant milestone, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to enter the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara. The e Vitara will make its debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo, signaling Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Innovative HEARTECT-e Platform
The e Vitara is built on the HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for battery electric vehicles. This platform features:
- A lightweight framework with high-voltage protection.
- Compact overhangs for a spacious interior.
- An optimized battery layout by eliminating underfloor components, enhancing efficiency.
Battery Options and Performance
Globally, the e Vitara is available with two battery configurations:
- 49 kWh battery pack:
- 142 bhp and 189 Nm torque.
- 2WD configuration.
- 61 kWh battery pack:
- 172 bhp and 189 Nm torque in 2WD.
- 300 Nm torque in the 4WD variant.
The e Vitara is expected to deliver a range of 400 km on a single charge, offering competitive performance in the Indian EV market.
Advanced Powertrain
Suzuki’s e Vitara integrates a highly efficient eAxle, combining the motor, inverter, and lithium iron-phosphate batteries for improved energy management. This ensures both high performance and reliability.