Latest news with #Jimny
Hans India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
India-made cars gain traction in Japan
New Delhi: According to figures compiled by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India's car exports to Japan jumped to $616.45 million in the first nine months (April-December) of 2024-25, which represents a close to 3-fold jump over the $220.62 million worth exports in full financial year of 2023-24. The Maruti Suzuki India is the biggest exporter its off-roader sport utility vehicle (SUV) Jimny to Japan. Mexico, Australia, and South Africa are currently the top four export markets for this is the second SUV after the Fronx that the company is exporting to its parent company in Japan.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
India-made cars gain traction in Japanese market
Maruti Suzuki and Honda Cars India have clocked a robust increase in exports to the Japanese market, reflecting the improving quality and acceptance of India-made cars in developed markets. According to figures compiled by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India's car exports to Japan jumped to $616.45 million in the first nine months (April-December) of 2024-25, which represents a close to 3-fold jump over the $220.62 million worth exports in full financial year of 2023-24. The Maruti Suzuki India is the biggest exporter its off-roader sport utility vehicle (SUV) Jimny to Japan. Mexico, Australia, and South Africa are currently the top four export markets for this car. This is the second SUV after the Fronx that the company is exporting to its parent company in Japan. The company exports its Fronx SUVs to Japan from its Guajart plant with the consignments being shipped out from the Pipavav Port in the state. Maruti launched the Jimny in India in June 2023 and started exporting it to various countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa from October 2023. While over 22,000 units of this five-door car were exported from India in 2023-24, the company had already exported over 38,000 units of the Jimny in the first nine months of 2024-25. Honda Cars India exported 45,167 units of SUV Elevate during the first nine months of 2024-25, mainly to Japan, which is twice the number of sales of these vehicles in India. The company launched the car in Japan in the third week of March where it is being sold as the Honda WR-V. It is the company's first made-in-India car to go on sale in Honda's home market Japan. The WR-V brand was discontinued in India in 2023. However, the moniker is in use globally. Export of the car had begun around December-January, and it was launched officially in March. In the two-wheeler segment, Yamaha India also has plans to export its premium R15 bike model to Japan as the cost of manufacturing in India is much lower. This reflects India's potential as auto manufacturing hub even for the advanced countries. Overall, India's car exports rose 15 per cent to 7,70,364 vehicles in FY23, outpacing the 2 per cent growth in domestic sales. Compact SUVs now constitute over 25 per cent of exports, with mid-sized passenger cars and utility vehicles also seeing strong demand. Industry players aim to increase the export share to 30 per cent within five years, according to a SIAM report. This was the best ever annual performance driven by demand for global models being manufactured in India. With manufacturing quality improving, some companies have also commenced exporting to developed markets, according to a SIAM statement.
The South African
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Into the WILD: 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door driven
When it comes to the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door, it's safe say any dyed-in-the-wool motoring journalist will love it. And that's not necessarily because of the car. It's more about what the boxy-is-brilliant, cut-price 4×4 represents. You see, journalists love a driving challenge. It's kind how and why we got into this racket. We'll drive any weird, wonderful and downright odd car. That's because we love to find the character beneath the metal and try and understand it for what it truly is. And, right on cue, an acid-green Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door enters the group chat. A car that's so popular, other owners' wave and flash their lights at you constantly. I'll admit, it took a few days to notice this, so apologies if I offended anyone … The Suzuki Jimny 5-door cabin not only benefits from an extended wheelbase, but excellent fit and finish, too. Image: File Nevertheless, there are some issues that cannot go unaddressed in the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door. You see, due to the 4-speed automatic gearbox, there are moments where it feels like time stands still. Neigh, time might very well be going backwards when you're behind the wheel. On the highway, the rev counter sits at 3 500 rpm and you're plodding on at barely 110 km/h. Floor the throttle for more oomph or an overtake and an ineloquent gearshift drops you down to third gear. Besides the raucous soundtrack, the spacing between third and fourth is too far apart. And the instant you release pressure from the gas pedal you're back in the no-go zone of fourth. I have to admit the auto is pretty gutless to drive on road. Throw in a slight gradient to the road you're on and the issues only become more pronounced. Worse still, the only manual override options to access power on your terms is second and first gears. As a result, the fuel consumption isn't the greatest when driving on the open road. We couldn't believe how economical the new Suzuki Swift was, for example. However, all that innate potential is lost because of the four-speed auto. Using every trick in the book we finally got down to 8.9 l/100 km, which is some way off the claimed 6.7 l/100 km. Fun fact, the front passenger seat folds fully flat for easy loading of long objects, making the Jimny 5-door surprisingly practical. Image: Ray Leathern Of course, the small Suzi has a celebrated 4×4 heritage. 210 mm ground clearance, excellent approach/departure/ramp-over angles (36, 47 and 24 degrees respectively) and downhill descent control. There's a low-range transfer case and top-notch wheel articulation. Therefore, it's only fair we give the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door every chance to show what it's made of. There's a hidden-away trail where we can put it to the test. The route starts easily enough, light climbing on old forestry tracks that crisscross the valley. Forty minutes in and the really rocky section starts. Heavy rains have washed away the sand to reveal the sharp, slippery rocks. Being a great believer of rather do it over than overdo it, I lock the transmission into low range. And the Suzi starts to climb the track like a little mountain goat. Weighing just a smidge over 1 100 kg – which is remarkable for a 4×4 SUV – its compact footprint is ideal for narrow off-road tracks. Wheel placement is a cinch, and often you can simply drive around an obstacle bigger vehicles would have to plough straight over. Moreover, the drivetrain we moaned about on road feels like it's coming good. A compact 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. It's in these low-speed ranges that modest power delivery matches throttle input, which allows for precise 4x4ing. Then, on the downhill descent, the mountain goat turns into a tough boerperd . The chassis takes plenty of heavy knocks in its stride with an assured, let's-keep-going attitude. This Suzi loves it when the going gets tough. Image: Ray Leathern After the frustration of its on-tar performance, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door well and truly comes good in the wild. Not one section of the off-road route posed a serious challenge to it. As such, we have nothing but praise for its 4×4 abilities. Because, plainly, the four-speed auto is happiest in lower-speed ranges. Therefore, if you're buying a 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door specifically for outdoors adventuring, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better car for the price. Luggage wise, the 211-litre boot capacity is up 126 litres over the 3-door. And by folding the rear seats down you all of a sudden gain 1 100 litres of utility space for all your outdoor-adventure needs. Therefore, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door is no conformist. It turns out to be an adventure mobile of note. Just be sure to wave at the others Suzis on your way out of town … 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door Engine: 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol Power: 75 kW and 130 Nm 75 kW and 130 Nm Performance: 0-100 km/h n/a 0-100 km/h n/a Gearbox: 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case Tyres: 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller Economy: 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) Price: R484 900 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Japan enters top five export markets for India-made cars
NEW DELHI: Japan has become one of the top five destinations for Indian car exports for the first time in FY25, signaling growing global demand for vehicles manufactured in India, even from advanced markets. Major Indian exporters like Suzuki Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co's local units are increasingly using India as a global production base. According to commerce ministry data compiled by SIAM, car exports to Japan jumped to $616.45 million in the first nine months of FY25, up from $220.62 million in all of FY24. Although official data for the March quarter is still awaited, industry sources expect exports to Japan to grow further, especially after Maruti Suzuki began shipping its Jimny SUV to the country in January. "Over decades, we have built a base in quality, cost, efficiency and technology in car manufacturing. This has given us volumes and economies of scale," senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki India, Rahul Bharti told the Economic Times. He further noted that the company plans to export large number of e Vitara electric SUVs, produced in India, to European markets and Japan. Japan, a significant automobile manufacturer and exporter, shipped 5.12 million vehicles in 2024. Honda Cars India exported 45,167 units of SUV Elevate, predominantly to Japan, surpassing its domestic sales of 22,321 units. Maruti Suzuki offers SUVs Fronx and Jimny in Japan. Significantly, Suzuki temporarily suspended new Jimny five-door bookings due to overwhelming post-launch demand, receiving approximately 50,000 orders within four days in Japan. "Indian OEMs have been not only expanding into key markets such as Africa and Latin America but are also beginning to enter developed markets (like Japan) with globally competitive models," Shailesh Chandra, president, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said. In the two-wheeler sector, Yamaha intends to begin exporting premium motorcycles to Japan soon. Itaru Otani, chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, stated, "The sourcing cost, the labour cost, is quite low in India compared to other countries." "We are exporting nearly a third of our output to 58 countries already. We started exports to Europe from India at the end of last year. The next step is to ship to other advanced markets like Japan and the US," Otani added. India's automobile exports increased by 15% to 770,364 vehicles last fiscal year, significantly outperforming domestic sales growth of 2% at 4.3 million vehicles. While compact passenger vehicles constitute over 27% of exports, measuring up to 4 metres in length and up to 1.4-litres, compact SUVs of similar dimensions are gaining prominence. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Japan makes it to top five markets for India-made cars
Japan emerged one of the top five export destinations for Made-in-India cars for the first time in the last fiscal year, underscoring steadily growing global acceptance of cars built in the country, including developed markets. Key Indian exporters include the local units of Suzuki Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co , seeking to increasingly leverage the country as a production hub. Vehicle shipments to Japan rose to $616.45 million in the first nine months of FY25, from $220.62 million in FY24, showed commerce ministry data, collated by SIAM. Globally Competitive Models The Indian government is yet to release detailed data for vehicle exports and imports for the March quarter. However, industry insiders expect the trend to accelerate given that Maruti Suzuki began exporting the Jimny SUV to Japan this January. 'Over decades, we have built a base in quality, cost, efficiency and technology in car manufacturing. This has given us volumes and economies of scale,' said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki India, adding that going ahead, the company would also export a 'large number' of e Vitara electric SUVs , manufactured in India, to the developed markets of Europe and Japan. Japan is itself a major carmaker and top exporter, shipping out 5.12 million vehicles in 2024. While Honda Cars India exported 45,167 units of SUV Elevate — mostly to Japan — more than double of the 22,321 units it sold in the local market, Maruti Suzuki has on sale SUVs Fronx and Jimny in the country. Notably, parent Suzuki had to initially pause fresh bookings for the Jimny five-door due to higher-than-expected demand post launch. The car secured around 50,000 orders within four days of launch in Japan. 'Indian OEMs have been not only expanding into key markets such as Africa and Latin America but are also beginning to enter developed markets (like Japan) with globally competitive models,' said Shailesh Chandra, president, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Kunal Behl, vice president, Honda Cars India said the company aims to establish India as a 'key export hub in its business globally'. While the proportion of exports is likely to remain at about 30%, absolute volumes will rise over the next few years as the company's total volumes grow on the back of new model introductions in India. In the two-wheeler segment, Yamaha is planning to shortly commence exports of premium motorcycles to Japan. Itaru Otani, chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, 'The sourcing cost, the labour cost, is quite low in India compared to other countries.' 'We are exporting nearly a third of our output to 58 countries already. We started exports to Europe from India at the end of last year. The next step is to ship to other advanced markets like Japan and the US,' said Otani. Overall, India's car exports grew by 15per cent to 770,364 vehicles last fiscal, widely outperforming a 2per cent rise in domestic sales at 4.3 million vehicles. While more than 27per cent of vehicles exported are compact passenger cars — measuring up to 4 metres in length and up to 1.4-litres — the share of compact SUVs — also up to 4 metres in length — are on the rise. Compact SUVs fare well Chandra said exports of compact SUVs are performing well, currently comprising more than a quarter of total exports. 'There is also a steady demand of mid-sized passenger cars having engines up to 1.6-litre, constituting about 20per cent of the share of PV exports,' he said, adding exports of utility vehicles — of 4-4.4 metre length — have also risen significantly with a more than 18per cent share of overall exports, 'As an industry, we would closely monitor global geopolitics and would leverage any opportunities that exist in enhancing exports,' Chandra said. On their part, passenger vehicle makers have set an ambitious aim of doubling car exports to 30per cent over the next five years.
