India's car exports reach record high
Indian automakers ended a volatile global year with record exports, cementing the country's position as a major car manufacturing hub as shipments abroad increased by 15% to about 858,000 passenger cars in 2025, driven by demand in Africa, South America and Western Asia, ET Auto reports.
Industry leaders cite the deepening of the supplier base, cost competitiveness, and growing confidence in Indian-made vehicles among the reasons, even though future momentum depends on trade diplomacy, particularly negotiations with Mexico following the imposition of higher tariffs in January 2026. Automakers aim to increase exports to 30% of production within five years, up from about 15% in 2024, by expanding their presence in Europe, Japan and Australia.
"India's automotive industry has reached a stage where it is playing an increasingly influential role in the world," said Shailesh Chandra, president of SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) and managing director of Tata Motors, adding that India is currently the fourth largest producer of passenger cars and the third largest market in the world Maruti Suzuki led exports, increasing by 21% to 395,000 units, including early shipments of electric vehicles to Europe, while Honda Cars India and Hyundai Motor India increased sales abroad, positioning India as a hub for emerging markets and selected developed economies.