Nissan Motor India Reaches 1.2 Million Vehicle Export Milestone

Nissan Motor India exported its 1.2 millionth vehicle from the country on October 30, 2025, with a Magnite B-SUV bound for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region shipped from Kamarajar Port in Tamil Nadu. The milestone reflects the company's decade-long export operations from India to 65 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

The export achievement comes as global automakers increasingly use India as a manufacturing base for international markets. Nissan's Indian operations have exported four models since beginning overseas shipments: the Magnite, Sunny, Kicks, and Micra. The company operates under a "Make in India, Make for the World" strategy, positioning India as a strategic export hub for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania (AMIEO) region.

The Magnite, which launched in 2020, has become central to Nissan's export strategy from India. The vehicle is manufactured in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations for different markets. The model received a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection from Global NCAP, an international car safety assessment organization.

Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa flagged off the milestone vehicle at the port facility. The company plans to introduce another model, the Tekton C-SUV, in India next year, which will also be exported to select international markets.

India has emerged as a significant automotive export hub over the past two decades. The country exported 4.8 million vehicles in fiscal year 2023-24, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Several international manufacturers, including Hyundai, Suzuki, and Volkswagen, use Indian plants to serve both domestic and export markets, taking advantage of the country's manufacturing capabilities and strategic location for accessing emerging markets.

The automotive sector contributes approximately 7% to India's GDP and employs around 37 million people directly and indirectly. The government's Production Linked Incentive scheme for automobiles, launched in 2021 with an outlay of $3.5 billion, aims to boost domestic manufacturing and exports of advanced automotive technology vehicles.

Nissan entered the Indian market in 2005 through a joint venture and later established independent operations. The company's Chennai plant, which has an annual production capacity of 480,000 units, serves as the production base for both domestic sales and exports. Despite the export success, Nissan holds less than 1% of India's domestic passenger vehicle market, which is dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.

The announcement comes as the global automotive industry navigates supply chain challenges and shifting consumer preferences toward electric vehicles. While Nissan has announced electric vehicle plans for developed markets, its Indian operations continue to focus on internal combustion engine vehicles for export markets where infrastructure for electric vehicles remains limited.