Maruti Suzuki commences exports of Grand Vitara to Latin America

Maruti Suzuki has commenced exports of its premium SUV, Grand Vitara, to foreign markets. The first shipment of the Grand Vitara was recently dispatched from Kamarajar Port. Maruti aims to export the Grand Vitara to over 60 countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, ASEAN, and surrounding regions.

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Grand Vitara export initiative aligns with GoI’s ‘Make in India’ efforts

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is the automaker’s 17th export, following the likes of S-Presso, Jimny, Baleno, and other Maruti offerings. In the 2022 calendar year, Maruti Suzuki exported over 2.6 lakh vehicles, its highest-ever number yet. With Grand Vitara’s export in progress, the automaker plans on retaining its top spot as India’s biggest auto exporter.

Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Supporting Government of India’s efforts to increase exports from India, Maruti Suzuki has taken multiple initiatives to increase its international presence. Expanding product portfolio for exports has been one of the key pillars of success. By adding Grand Vitara, we now export a range of 17 vehicles. Grand Vitara, unveiled in July 2022, has received overwhelming response in the domestic market and we are confident that the India manufactured Grand Vitara will meet with similar success in overseas markets as well.”

The SUV comes in two engine variants – a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine with mild hybrid technology and Toyota’s 1.5-litre TNGA petrol engine with a strong hybrid system. A 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission are on offer with the midsize SUV. The 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine generates a maximum power of 103hp with 137Nm peak torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre TNGA petrol engine generates 92hp of power with a peak torque of 122Nm. This, coupled with the electric motor in the strong hybrid variant, generates a combined power of 115hp. The electric motor alone produces a maximum power of 80hp with 141Nm peak torque.

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Conclusion

Maruti will enjoy a fair share of global exports as it unveiled two new SUVs at AutoExpo this year – Maruti Suzuki Fronx and the 5-door Jimny. The Jimny already enjoys decent popularity overseas and the Fronx will further strengthen the automaker’s global SUV portfolio. Maruti also launched the Grand Vitara CNG in India recently. It is unclear whether it will export this model as well.

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