Suzuki September and H1 2026 results: Overseas markets offset slowdown in Japan

Suzuki recorded its highest-ever global production and sales figures for September 2026, with strong demand from overseas markets more than making up for a slight slowdown in Japan. India was the biggest contributor to the growth, accounting for the bulk of the company's overseas production and sales.

September 2026

Global Production: 348,459 units (up 10.0% YoY)

Suzuki produced 348,459 vehicles worldwide in September, up 10.0% year on year. This was the 13th consecutive month of growth and a new record for the month.

Production at overseas plants rose 15.5% to 258,943 units, while output in Japan fell 3.2% to 89,516 units, marking a second consecutive monthly decline.

India was by far the largest contributor, with production climbing 19.9% to 241,977 units. The market has now recorded 13 consecutive months of production growth.

Global Sales: 315,995 units (up 17.2% YoY)

Global sales followed a similar trend. Suzuki sold 315,995 vehicles in September, up 17.2% from a year earlier. This marks the 12th consecutive month of growth and another monthly record. Overseas sales rose 23.4% to 246,882 units, with India accounting for 185,252 of them – a 36.5% increase year on year.

By contrast, sales in Japan slipped 0.6% to 69,113 units. Kei car sales fell 4.9%, although regular registered vehicles recorded a 14.8% increase.

Japanese exports also returned to growth after three months of decline, rising 5.7% to 19,210 units, helped by higher shipments of completely knocked-down (CKD) kits.

First half of FY2026

The momentum extended into the first half of Suzuki's 2026 financial year, covering April to September. Global production reached 1,903,896 units, up 16.6% year on year, while sales rose 19.9% to 1,824,006 units.

Overseas operations remained the main growth engine. Production outside Japan increased 23.9% to more than 1.42 million units, with India's output alone exceeding 1.32 million for the first time.

Overseas sales also grew strongly, rising 26.0% to around 1.46 million units. Expansion in Indonesia, Central and South America, and Africa contributed to the increase.

Japan, meanwhile, recorded sales of 354,040 units, down 0.3% year on year. A 3.7% drop in kei car sales was partly offset by a 12.4% increase in regular registered vehicles.

Exports from Japan rose 8.5% to 107,723 units, with both complete vehicles and CKD kits contributing to the growth.

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Suzuki's latest figures show just how important overseas markets have become to its overall performance. India remains the standout contributor, while growing sales in other regions are adding to the company's global reach.

In Japan, the picture is more mixed: demand for kei cars has weakened, although regular registered vehicles continue to perform well.

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