Maruti Jimny: A Made-in-India SUV Dominating Exports, Particularly Popular in Japan

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is making waves, with exports surpassing domestic sales. The Jimny, which premiered at the 2023 Auto Expo, is now the second-most exported car from India. The Jimny, a 4×4 SUV, was launched in India on June 7, 2023. The three-door Jimny has garnered global acclaim for its off-roading capabilities and design, making it a sought-after export from India. While domestic sales between April and August 2023 reached only 2,449 units, a 39% decrease year-over-year, exports surged to 24,384 units, marking a 27% increase. The production of the three-door Jimny began in November 2020 at Maruti Suzuki’s Gurugram plant, with exports targeted at left-hand and right-hand-drive markets in Africa and the Middle East. The five-door version, developed for the Indian market, offers more space and is sold through the Nexa channel. The five-door version has found success in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The Jimny has seen particularly strong demand in Japan, where it was launched as the Nomade by Suzuki Motor Corp on January 30, 2025.