Maruti Suzuki launches India-made Jimny 5-door in Japanese market

Maruti Suzuki introduced its India-manufactured Jimny 5-door model in Japan today, expanding its export portfolio to Suzuki Motor Corporation's home market. The SUV, which is exclusively produced at the company's Gurugram facility in Haryana, marks the second India-made vehicle to enter the Japanese market in the current fiscal year, following the Fronx launched in August 2024.

The Jimny 5-door, first unveiled at Auto Expo 2023 in India, has emerged as Maruti Suzuki's second-highest exported model in FY 2024-25. The vehicle is currently being exported to approximately 100 countries, including major markets like Mexico, Australia, and South Africa.

Maruti Suzuki's Managing Director & CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, emphasized that the launch demonstrates the company's manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its 'Make-in-India for the world' initiative. The introduction of the 5-door variant complements the existing 3-door Jimny already available in Japan.

The Jimny brand has established a significant global presence over the past five decades, with Suzuki selling more than 3.5 million units across 199 countries and regions. The selection of India as the production base for the 5-door variant indicates Suzuki's strategy to meet the increasing global demand for the off-road vehicle.

In the broader context of India's automotive exports, Maruti Suzuki has maintained its position as the country's leading passenger vehicle exporter. The company exported over 323,000 vehicles in calendar year 2024, commanding a 43.5% share of India's total passenger vehicle exports. This export milestone follows the successful introduction of the Fronx in Japan, which has reportedly received positive market response since its launch.

The expansion of India-made vehicles in the Japanese market represents a significant shift in the global automotive manufacturing landscape, where India is increasingly being recognized as a key production hub for international markets.