Maruti Suzuki Announces Standard Six Airbags Across Models; New SUV Launch Confirmed for 2025

New Delhi, April 26, 2025 —
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, announced major safety upgrades and upcoming product launches on Friday, even as its FY25 financial results reflected signs of market pressure. The company confirmed that six airbags—covering front, side, and curtain protection—will now be standard across all its models.

The enhanced safety package will also include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, front and rear disc brakes with ABS and EBD, three-point seat belts for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, aiming to align Maruti Suzuki with global safety standards.

Alongside the safety updates, the automaker revealed plans to launch a new SUV later this year. A compact hybrid vehicle is also under development, although a launch timeline has not been finalized.

Looking forward, Maruti Suzuki expects exports to make up 20% of its total sales in FY26, compared to 18% in FY25. The company noted that it does not export vehicles to the United States, thus insulating itself from potential economic slowdowns in that market. Capital expenditure for FY26 is projected between ₹8,000 crore and ₹9,000 crore.

However, management flagged a cautious outlook for FY26 due to concerns over muted domestic demand and affordability challenges. Industry body SIAM has predicted a modest 1–2% growth for the passenger vehicle segment in FY26.

Financially, Maruti Suzuki reported a standalone net profit of ₹3,711 crore for Q4 FY25, a 4.3% decline year-on-year, missing analyst expectations. Revenue rose 6.4% to ₹40,674 crore, but EBITDA fell 9% to ₹4,264 crore, with operating margins contracting by 150 basis points to 10.5%.

Analysts attributed the margin compression to higher marketing spends, increased discounting, and rising operational costs at the company’s Kharkhoda plant. However, improved operational efficiencies and stronger CNG vehicle sales offered some relief.

For FY25, Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales grew 2.7%, while exports surged 17.5%, driving total volume growth to 4.6%. The company also declared a final dividend of ₹135 per share for FY25.

Despite the quarterly earnings miss, Maruti Suzuki’s stock ended 2.1% lower at ₹11,650 on the NSE but has gained over 5% since the start of 2025.