PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Global EV, e-VITARA, From Gujarat to 100 Nations
In a significant push for his ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off the first export consignment of Maruti Suzuki’s new all-electric SUV, the e-VITARA, from Gujarat. The landmark event, which positions India as a manufacturing hub for global electric vehicles, saw the first batch of the ‘Made in India’ EV destined for over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan.
The launch, timed just a day before additional US tariffs on Indian goods take effect, is being seen as a strong statement of India’s manufacturing prowess and commitment to green mobility. “Today is a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility,” PM Modi wrote in a post ahead of the event. “This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations.”
In a dual boost for the country’s electric vehicle ecosystem, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the localized production of hybrid battery electrodes at Suzuki’s plant in Hansalpur. Furthermore, he inaugurated a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, a joint venture between Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso. These developments are crucial steps towards creating a self-sufficient supply chain for EV components within India, reducing reliance on imports.
The flagging off of the e-VITARA, Suzuki’s first global EV, from Indian soil marks a major milestone for the country’s automotive industry. It underscores the success of policies aimed at attracting global manufacturers to not only produce for the domestic market but also to use India as a base for exports, reinforcing the nation’s growing stature in the global supply chain.
