Maruti Suzuki Commences Global Exports of Victoris SUV; Rebranded as 'Across' for 100+ Markets

In a major push for India’s "Make in India, Make for the World" vision, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) officially commenced the global exports of its premium mid-size SUV, the Victoris, on January 16, 2026. The first shipment of over 450 units set sail from the Mundra and Pipavav ports in Gujarat. For international buyers, the SUV will be marketed under the name ‘Across’, a badge that signals Maruti’s ambition to compete in the premium global utility vehicle segment.

The Export Powerhouse: By the Numbers

Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate India’s automotive export landscape, maintaining its position as the country's largest passenger vehicle exporter for the fifth consecutive year.

• 2025 Milestone: The company shipped a record-breaking 3.95 lakh vehicles in the calendar year 2025, marking a 21% growth over the previous year.
• Outpacing the Industry: Between 2020 and 2025, Maruti Suzuki's exports skyrocketed 4.67 times, while the rest of the Indian automotive industry grew by approximately 1.43 times.
• Global Footprint: The Victoris (Across) is slated for more than 100 countries, with primary focus regions including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Safety and Engineering: A Global Pedigree

The Victoris isn't just an export volume driver; it is a flagship for Indian manufacturing quality. It enters the global market with a prestigious 5-star safety rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

• Variants & Tech: In India, the SUV is available in 21 variants across six trim levels (LXI to ZXI+), featuring 1.5-litre petrol and strong hybrid engines.
• Design Language: Showcased previously at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the vehicle features a sophisticated "wraparound" design and premium connected technologies, which earned it the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 award.

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Strategic Business Impact

Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi emphasized that the addition of the Victoris/Across will further diversify Maruti’s export mix, which recently saw the debut of the company’s first electric vehicle, the e VITARA, in European markets.

• Manufacturing Hub: By leveraging India as its exclusive manufacturing base for the Victoris, Maruti Suzuki is optimizing production costs while meeting stringent international standards.
• Investor Sentiment: Despite a minor dip in stock price on the day of the announcement (closing at ₹15,856.55 on the BSE), analysts remain bullish on MSIL’s long-term revenue potential driven by higher-margin premium SUV exports.

Looking Ahead

With a target to reach 100+ overseas territories, the Victoris marks a pivotal shift for Maruti Suzuki from being a "small-car specialist" to a "global SUV contender." As production ramps up at the Hansalpur facility, the company’s ability to meet diverse international regulatory and consumer needs will be the key to sustaining its 2026 growth momentum.