Suzuki Set to Overtake Honda as Japan's No. 2 Automaker, Driven by India
According to Nikkei Asia, Suzuki is poised to overtake Honda as Japan's second-largest automaker, lifted by strong sales in India. Honda's first annual loss in 70 years has accelerated the shift in the ranking. India now accounts for more than half of Suzuki's global volume.
According to Nikkei Asia, Suzuki is set to overtake Honda as Japan's second-largest automaker. The shift is driven primarily by Suzuki's Indian sales volumes, which now account for more than half of the company's global total.
In the same period Honda posted its first annual loss in 70 years, taking an $11.5 billion write-down on its electric-vehicle programme. The result has prompted Honda to revisit its EV strategy. Suzuki, by contrast, holds market leadership in India's mid-segment and light commercial vehicles through its Maruti Suzuki partnership.
Nikkei argues that India's rise on the global automotive map has placed Suzuki in a class of its own. Toyota retains overall leadership, while Honda's global No. 2 position now looks set to pass to Suzuki. Production capacity, export volumes and EV strategy will be the main themes in the period ahead.
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