Suzuki takes lead in Japan imported auto sales with India-made SUVs

Better overseas supply chains and shrinking domestic demand reshape market

Suzuki's five-door Jimny Nomade, made in India, is proving highly popular with Japanese consumers. (Suzuki Motor)

SOTA TANAKA and ITSUKI MIYAKE

May 30, 2025 02:10 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's market for imported autos is shifting, with Suzuki Motor becoming the top seller in April ahead of Mercedes-Benz and BMW as it brings in more India-made vehicles.

Suzuki's imported vehicle sales reached 3,990 units that month, jumping 83 times from a year earlier, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. It surpassed Mercedes-Benz's 3,202 units and BMW's 2,575 units to become the leader for the first time.