India sells over 20 lakh vehicles abroad in April-July as exports gather pace
India exported more than 20 lakh vehicles in the four months from April to July of the financial year, a report says, with two-wheelers leading.
Until a few years ago, foreign companies dominated the market for large vehicles, and countries such as Japan and Germany were seen as leaders in car-making. That picture has changed. Vehicles from India's Tata, Mahindra and Maruti now run not only on the roads of Pune and Mumbai but also directly on the roads of Africa and Latin America.
According to a recent report, India sold more than 20 lakh vehicles abroad in just four months, from April to July of the financial year. The figure is significant and shows how fast the Indian auto industry is growing. Two-wheelers account for the largest number, with budget bikes in strong demand overseas. Three-wheelers and passenger cars come next. Affordable, good cars are getting a good response abroad, which makes it fair to call India the world's auto export hub.
The question is why Indian vehicles are selling so well overseas. The reason is simple: they are low-priced and offer high mileage, which is what buyers abroad also want. For less money, buyers get a good vehicle with plenty of features and a sturdy body. Spare parts for Indian vehicles are also cheap, and repairs cost less.
Indian companies have also paid considerable attention to the looks and safety of their vehicles. Tata's vehicles are earning 5-star ratings. For this reason, foreign customers have begun to trust Indian brands. The discrimination that existed earlier no longer exists.
Where are the Made in India vehicles going? Most go to African countries. In countries such as Nigeria and South Africa, Indian bikes are a common sight on the roads. Indian vehicles also sell well in Mexico and Colombia in Latin America. Demand has also risen in the Middle East and South-East Asia, because the roads and needs of people there suit Indian vehicles. Indian cars have now begun to reach advanced markets such as Europe too, because Indian companies are building vehicles that meet the strict norms there.
On what lies ahead, experts say this is only a trailer and exports will rise further. All companies are now focusing on electric vehicles. Orders are beginning to arrive from abroad for India-made electric two-wheelers and electric rickshaws. India will win out in battery-powered vehicles as well as petrol ones, the source says there is no doubt.
The government also has a hand in this. The Centre's PLI scheme has played a big part, helping companies benefit from manufacturing in India. The Make in India campaign led to more factories, brought new technology and improved vehicle quality, which directly helped raise exports. India, which once depended on other countries for vehicles, is now selling vehicles to the world.
