Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA Launch: Global EV Exports Begin
In a significant milestone for the Indian automobile industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s first Made-in-India battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV, the Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA, at Hansalpur, Gujarat. Alongside the inauguration, he announced the start of the SUV’s global exports. Modi described this achievement as a major success for India’s self-reliance and the “Make in India” vision, highlighting its potential to elevate the country’s economic standing and strengthen its position in the global automotive market.
Showcasing Indian Technological Prowess: Introduction of e-VITARA
The new e-VITARA SUV from Maruti Suzuki is India’s first fully electric vehicle manufactured domestically and is being sent to global markets under the Prime Minister’s flag-off. More than just a car, it symbolizes India’s technological expertise, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities. This initiative positions India not just as an importer but as a competitive exporter in the global automobile market. The SUV is designed to be eco-friendly while offering world-class design, cutting-edge technology, and advanced safety features.
Design and Features: Modernity Meets Premium Experience
The e-VITARA’s design blends Maruti Suzuki’s refined aesthetics with contemporary styling. Its front grille features Y-shaped LED headlights, giving it a bold and appealing presence. The 18-inch alloy wheels and muscular bumpers add a sporty and stylish edge to the SUV. Inside, passengers experience modern comfort with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, and front ventilated seats. The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable in 10 ways, ensuring a comfortable experience even on long journeys.
Advanced Battery Technology and Powerful Performance
The SUV comes with two battery options — 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The 49 kWh variant delivers 142 bhp and 192.5 Nm of torque, offering a WLTP-certified range of 346 km on a single charge. The 61 kWh top-end variant is available in both single and dual-motor options, with the single motor producing 172 bhp for a 428 km range and the dual motor delivering 175 bhp with a 412 km range.
This combination of battery capacity and power ensures suitability for both city commuting and long-distance travel. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options cater to the diverse needs of both Indian and international customers.
Leading in Safety
Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA is also a leader in automotive safety. It is India’s first SUV in its segment to feature seven airbags along with dual-channel ABS, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring System, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. Notably, it includes Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), enhancing both safety and driving intelligence.
India’s Confidence on the Global Stage
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Maruti Suzuki has taken India’s “Make in India” vision to new heights, placing the country’s automobile industry prominently on the global map. He added that India’s democratic strength, young population, and skilled workforce collectively prepare the nation for future global competition.
The launch of the e-VITARA for export sends a strong signal that even countries with advanced automobile technology, like Japan, will now source EVs from India. This initiative is expected to strengthen India-Japan relations and reflect growing global confidence in Indian manufacturing.
In the initial phase, these EVs are planned to be exported to approximately 12 European countries, Japan, and over 100 other nations, demonstrating India’s production quality and export capacity. This move will enable India to enter new international markets and earn foreign exchange through automobile exports.
Market Competition and Pricing
In the UK, the Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA is priced at around £29,999 (approximately ₹35 lakh), though prices in the Indian market are expected to be comparatively lower due to domestic production. The SUV will compete with other electric vehicles like the Hyundai Creta EV, Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, and MG ZS EV. This competition highlights the growing demand for electric vehicles in India and the expanding range of technological options available to consumers.
Conclusion
The launch of the Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA marks not just a new product debut but a significant success story for India’s future in the automobile sector. This step will boost the electric vehicle industry, promote environmental sustainability, and create new employment opportunities. With global exports underway, India is set to become self-reliant in EV manufacturing while enhancing its economic footprint internationally.
Prime Minister Modi’s global EV launch event and the initiation of battery production signal that India is emerging as a major hub for manufacturing and exporting electric vehicles. This development reinforces India’s progress, self-reliance, and commitment to a sustainable, green future.
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