Made-in-India SUV Gets ₹1 Lakh Discount — Yet Sells More Abroad Than at Home

Updated: 19-06-2025, 11.05 PM

Maruti Suzuki Jimny — India’s much-hyped rugged SUV — is winning hearts globally, even as it struggles to grab attention in its home market. Since launching in June 2023, the Jimny has crossed 1,02,024 units sold — but here’s the twist: exports far outstrip domestic demand. Adding to the story, Maruti Suzuki is now offering a ₹1 lakh discount for Indian buyers — but will that be enough?

Made-in-India SUV

Domestic Sales vs Export Boom

Maruti’s data shows a sharp contrast in market appetite:

Domestic Sales: 26,180 units since launch
Exports: 75,844 units shipped abroad

While India’s FY2025 sales dropped a steep 49% year-on-year, exports surged 116%, showing the Jimny is far more popular outside the country.

Global Craze — 3-Year Waiting in Japan

Globally, the Jimny has become an icon — especially in Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and Japan. The newly launched 5-door version (marketed as Suzuki Nomad in Japan) saw 50,000 pre-bookings within just 4 days.

Demand was so overwhelming that Suzuki paused new orders, with the waiting period now stretching to 3 years.

Why Is Jimny’s Export Success So Strong?

Originally, Maruti Suzuki began exporting the 3-door Jimny from Gurgaon in 2020. But the launch of the 5-door model in January 2025 turbocharged overseas shipments.

Key regions include Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Japan. The Jimny is now the second India-assembled SUV exported to Japan after the Maruti Fronx — a huge win for India’s auto exports.

Sales Timeline — Domestic vs Export

At the 2023 Auto Expo, Jimny had a dream start with over 30,000 pre-launch bookings. However, that hype didn’t last in the Indian market:

Domestic sales dipped to just 431 units in April 2025 — though this was a 60% improvement from March.
Exports, on the other hand, continue to rise steadily each month.

Engine & Mileage

The Jimny packs a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, churning out 105hp and 134Nm torque.

Transmission options:

5-speed manual: 16.94 km/l
4-speed automatic: 16.39 km/l

The Jimny remains one of the most efficient off-roaders in its segment.

Attractive ₹1 Lakh Discount — Will It Work?

Priced between ₹12.76 lakh to ₹14.81 lakh (ex-showroom), the Jimny now carries a special ₹1 lakh cash discount in India.

But despite the sweetened deal, local buyers appear hesitant — perhaps due to fierce market competition and value perception. Meanwhile, global demand is more than compensating, ensuring that the Jimny remains a major export success story for Maruti Suzuki.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.