Toyota, Suzuki and Honda plan major Make-in-India investments — over $11 billion — to expand local capacity, boost exports and reduce reliance on China.
India Make-in-India Push Attracts Record Auto Investments
Japan’s top carmakers — Toyota, Suzuki and Honda — are re-engineering their global manufacturing strategies, choosing South Asia as their next growth engine while reducing exposure to Chinese supply chains. This strategic realignment marks a decisive moment for the region’s auto industry and the broader Make-in-India initiative.
Suzuki Motor is leading the charge with plans to boost local production capacity to nearly four million vehicles annually by the end of the decade. The company has earmarked investments worth about ₹70,000 crore to expand facilities, roll out eight new models, and strengthen export capabilities. Executives say the move will create thousands of skilled jobs and give the brand a sharper competitive edge in compact SUV and hybrid segments.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is following suit with a $3-billion expansion plan. It includes a new facility in Maharashtra and upgrades to its Karnataka plant to scale production beyond one million units a year. Toyota’s roadmap also focuses on localising hybrid components, developing affordable electrified cars for regional buyers, and reducing import reliance on Chinese parts.
