Demonstrating the effect of India's manufacturing strength in global automotive markets and the success of the 'Make-in-India' initiative, Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) recently announced that it has now exported over 2 lakh cars to international markets. These include countries like Japan, South Africa, the Middle East and several others. However, a big shift in the carmaker's export happened after it started shipping the Elevate in August 2023. Here are the details.
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While Honda India had made limited exports to SAARC up till 2021 and mid-2023, it was the beginning of the Elevate SUV exports that marked a big change in its operations. Honda Elevate exports to Japan, South
America and Caribbean nations, combined with prior exports of the Honda City Sedan to the Middle East, Mexico and Turkey, have helped the automaker cross the 2 lakh milestone in 2025.
For perspective, the Elevate and City account for 78 percent of the total 2 lakh cars exported by Honda from India. Out of the 33 countries Honda has exported its cars to, Japan accounts for the largest share at 30 percent. It is followed by South Africa and SADC countries at 26 percent, while Mexico and Turkey account for 26 percent and 19 percent, respectively. The balance of 9 percent export share is distributed between the Middle East, SAARC region, the Caribbean and South America.
The Honda Elevate is a mid-sized SUV that was developed under the carmaker's 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative. Since it was launched, the Elevate has been exported to Japan, South Africa and Nepal markets and has also managed to contribute handsomely to Honda's domestic car sales. It competes against popular models such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos with its strong value proposition and high reliability.
The Elevate gets a modest but sensible features list, a well-rounded appearance and the tried and trusted naturally aspirated, 1,498cc, four-cylinder, i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque. Post the recent GST price cuts, the starting price for the Elevate SUV is now Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom.
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