Japanese carmaker Suzuki ferries maiden electric SUV manufactured in India
Suzuki Motor has started shipping its first fully electric sport-utility vehicle built in India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the battery-powered model at the Japanese carmaker’s factory ceremony in the western state of Gujarat.
“From today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to 100 countries,” said Modi.
He also stressed the importance of economic ties with Japan. He is due to visit the country Friday.
The e VITARA model built in Gujarat is Suzuki’s first battery-powered vehicle. The firm says it has a driving range of more than 500 kilometers per charge.
Suzuki launched EV production in India earlier this year through its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary. The company plans to invest 700 billion rupees, or nearly 8 billion dollars, in its operations in India over the next five to six years.
The automaker’s president, Suzuki Toshihiro, said the firm aims to maintain its top market share in India.
But competition is heating up in what is now the world’s third-largest market for cars. US electric vehicle giant Tesla opened its first showroom in Mumbai last month and South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor is planning to expand its EV production in India.
