Overview

• Maruti Suzuki lowered its e-Vitara production target for April–September to about 8,200 units from 26,500 due to shortages of rare earth materials after China imposed export restrictions.
• The company intends to ramp up output to around 58,728 e-Vitaras between October and March to meet its 67,000-unit EV goal for the fiscal year ending March 2026.
• China’s export curbs on key rare earth elements have disrupted global auto supply chains and left India awaiting import approvals, threatening production continuity.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described the situation as a wake-up call that has accelerated government efforts to build domestic rare earth capacity and reduce import dependence.
• Maruti’s share of India’s passenger vehicle market has declined to 41% since March 2020 as rivals Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra lead in EV sales, prompting Suzuki to lower its long-term sales target and scale back EV launches.