6 Indian-Made Cars Outselling Domestically in Global Markets
Six India-made cars, including models from Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai, are now seeing stronger global demand than domestic sales.
These 6 Indian-Made Cars Are Outselling at Home—Abroad
India’s automotive ambitions are reaching far beyond its borders. Once tailored for domestic buyers, six cars manufactured in India have found new success stories unfolding overseas—outperforming their sales in the very market they were built for.
India’s Cars Go Global: From Local Lanes to Foreign Roads
India has long been recognized as one of the world’s largest car markets, luring major auto brands to manufacture locally. But in a surprising twist, cars like the Honda City, Honda Elevate, Nissan Sunny, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Verna, and Jeep Meridian are gaining more traction outside India than within.
According to the latest figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for FY25, export volumes for these models have surpassed their domestic sales. The shift underscores a critical reality—while demand in India has plateaued for some segments, global appetite for well-priced, well-built Indian cars is accelerating.
Honda Elevate: Struggles at Home, Soars Abroad
When Honda launched the Elevate in September 2023, expectations ran high. Positioned as a sleek SUV tailored for Indian roads, the company hoped to tap into the country’s booming SUV market. Yet, despite a robust marketing push and production ramp-up, sales underwhelmed at home.
In FY25, Honda sold just 22,321 units of the Elevate in India, while exports rocketed to 45,167 units—more than double. Interestingly, many of these units are now cruising on Japanese roads under a new badge: the WR-V.
To meet international demand, Honda scaled up Elevate production by 54%, manufacturing 67,488 units this fiscal year. For Honda, exports were no longer an afterthought—they became the core strategy to sustain factory operations and supplier relationships.
Hyundai Verna: A Sedan Reborn for Global Roads
Hyundai attempted to revive India’s dwindling interest in sedans with the reimagined 2023 Verna. However, in an SUV-dominated market, it couldn’t reclaim lost ground. Instead, Hyundai tapped into its formidable export channels, redirecting focus to regions still hungry for sedans.
The result? Over 50,000 units of the Verna were shipped overseas in FY25, with significant traction across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The model’s sleek design, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a winning package in developing markets.
Nissan Magnite: Mass Appeal, International Reach
Launched in 2020, the Nissan Magnite was billed as an affordable SUV for Indian families. While it initially gained popularity, domestic interest dipped in FY25, with sales sliding to 27,881 units from 30,146 the year before. Exports, however, told a different story.
Nissan exported 29,155 units of the Magnite this year—up from 9,314 a year earlier—nearly matching Indian sales. The SUV’s compact size and value-for-money proposition made it especially popular in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Jeep Meridian and Nissan Sunny: Export-Driven Strategy
The Jeep Meridian, though positioned as a premium SUV in India, has seen steadier demand overseas. Its bold styling and off-road capabilities found more takers in Latin America and select European countries.
Likewise, the Nissan Sunny, a sedan that’s all but disappeared from Indian streets, continues to find new life abroad. Its reliability and low maintenance costs appeal to emerging economies where functionality often trumps flash.
What’s Driving the Export Surge?
There’s more at play here than just slow domestic demand. Many automakers now see India as a strategic export hub, leveraging low manufacturing costs, improving infrastructure, and trade agreements to reach global buyers.
According to a 2024 report from McKinsey, India’s share in global auto exports is expected to grow by over 15% annually through 2030, driven by government incentives under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and automakers reconfiguring supply chains post-pandemic.
These trends aren’t just good for the companies—they’re critical for the long-term health of India’s auto manufacturing ecosystem, supporting jobs, innovation, and industrial growth.
Final Gear: What This Means for India’s Auto Industry
The overseas success of these six models signals a strategic pivot in India’s car manufacturing narrative. Companies are no longer designing cars solely for Indian roads—they’re thinking globally from the blueprint stage.
For Indian consumers, this could mean better-quality vehicles made to meet higher international standards. For manufacturers, it’s a reminder that India’s auto prowess extends far beyond domestic borders.
As Indian-made cars continue to gain mileage across continents, it’s clear the country’s role in the global automotive scene is shifting gears—from a buyer’s market to an export powerhouse.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available data from FY25 and industry reports. Sales figures may vary as new data becomes available. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
source : News18