new delhi, Aug. 27 -- Maruti Suzuki India Ltd on Tuesday started the production of its electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) e-Vitara for exports to 100 countries from its Gujarat factory, marking the beginning of its electric vehicle (EV) push that contrasts with strategies of its domestic rivals. While Tata and Mahindra began their EV journey by first boosting sales in the domestic market, Maruti Suzuki is producing these cars majorly for exports, with its Japanese parent looking to test its mettle in the global EV market. The company aims to sell 70,000 units of its flagship electric vehicle in FY26, with a majority of sales coming from international markets. This country's largest and oldest carmaker is looking to recreate its recent success in exports, with international sales rising 17% in FY25, buoyed by products like Fronx and Jimny. However, the small car giant has seen its market share slip by nearly 9% in the domestic market over the last five financial years, and growth has got hard to come by, prompting the company to focus on exports. In FY25, Maruti's sales in India grew just 3% to 1.9 million cars. "We chose this facility to manufacture the e VITARA, our first BEV (battery electric vehicle), and make it a global production hub for this model. We will export this 'Made-in-India BEV' to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe," Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said in his address at the line-off ceremony of the cars. Experts suggest the firm wanted to test its position in multiple markets to sense demand for the car....