Published on: May 11, 2026
Maruti Suzuki India has extended its media partnership with WPP Media for another year after recently reviewing its media business, which industry estimates place at nearly ₹1,200 crore. Multiple industry executives familiar with the development confirmed that the incumbent agency network has successfully retained the account.
The review comes as the country’s largest carmaker intensifies its marketing and promotional efforts to maintain growth momentum amid a challenging passenger vehicle market and rising competition in the SUV segment.
In April, the automaker reported total sales of 239,646 units, supported by healthy demand across compact cars, utility vehicles, and exports. Domestic passenger vehicle sales reached 187,704 units, while exports recorded a strong 43.5 percent year-on-year increase, touching 40,054 units.
The company’s compact and mid-size vehicle portfolio, which includes several high-volume models, witnessed a 30.2 percent rise in sales to 80,659 units. Utility vehicle sales, including models such as Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, and XL6, also grew significantly by 31.9 percent to 77,892 units, reflecting the brand’s continued focus on the fast-growing SUV category.
Meanwhile, the entry-level mini segment, featuring models like Alto and S-Presso, showed a notable recovery. Sales in this category climbed to 16,066 units in April compared to 6,332 units during the same period last year.
The company’s latest annual report also highlighted a substantial increase in marketing investments. Advertising expenditure rose to ₹1,127.5 crore for the financial year ending March 2025, while sales promotion spending increased to ₹615.1 crore. Combined sales and marketing expenses stood at ₹1,742.6 crore, up from ₹1,558.1 crore in the previous year.
The increase in spending came during a relatively slow year for India’s passenger vehicle industry, which recorded growth of around 2 percent overall. Automakers faced softer consumer sentiment and weaker showroom traffic, prompting many brands to increase investments in campaigns, promotions, and discounts to stimulate demand.
Despite these market conditions, Maruti Suzuki India achieved its highest-ever annual vehicle sales of 2.23 million units. Growth was largely supported by replacement demand and households purchasing multiple vehicles. The company also strengthened its reach in smaller towns and rural regions by adding 372 new sales outlets during the year.
Its recent marketing efforts focused heavily on new launches and updated models, including the Epic New Swift, Baleno Regal Edition, and Grand Vitara Dominion Edition, while also highlighting hybrid and sustainable mobility initiatives.
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