Jimny Juggernaut: Made-in-India SUVs Power Suzuki to Top of Japan’s Import Charts

Image Source: Maruti Suzuki

In a stunning reversal of global trade flows, Suzuki Motor Corp has emerged as Japan’s top car importer in June 2025, driven by surging demand for its Indiamanufactured SUVs—particularly the wildly popular Jimny Nomad. The company imported 4,780 vehicles last month, a 230fold jump from a year earlier, overtaking MercedesBenz and marking its second No. 1 finish this year after April.

Key Highlights:

Jimny Nomad Frenzy: The fivedoor offroader, built in India and priced at ¥2.65 million (~$18,300), racked up 50,000 preorders within four days of launch in Japan, forcing Suzuki to halt bookings temporarily.
Production RampUp: To meet demand, Suzuki will scale up Jimny Nomad production in India starting July, reinforcing India’s role as a global manufacturing hub.
Fronx Joins the Party: The Indiamade Fronx SUV, introduced in Japan in October, has also contributed to the import surge.
Consumer Shift: Analysts note that Japanese buyers are increasingly brand and productfocused, not originsensitive—favoring compact, affordable SUVs regardless of where they’re built.
India’s Export Rise: Japan has now entered the top five markets for Indiamade cars, with Suzuki and Honda leading the charge.
Maruti’s Mixed Fortunes: While exports soar, Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales dipped 6% YoY in June, reflecting affordability pressures in India’s smallcar segment.

Suzuki’s rise as Japan’s top importer—powered by Indian assembly lines—signals a tectonic shift in global auto dynamics, where cost, quality, and consumer appeal now trump geography.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine, Business Standard, CarWale