Fiji’s automotive market is bracing for a wave of global shifts in electric vehicles, dealership digital upgrades, and persistent shipping delays, forcing local distributors like newly listed Shreedhar Motors Limited (SML) to recalibrate its future lineups.
In its 2025 annual report – the first as a public listed company, it said the global automotive industry trends continued to influence Fiji’s market, including: increasing development of hybrid and electric vehicle technologies; advancements in vehicle safety and driver-assist systems; increasing digitalisation of customer engagement and dealership operations; and ongoing supply chain and freight-related variability affecting vehicle availability and delivery timelines.
“While hybrid and electric vehicle adoption in Fiji remains at an early stage, SML continues to monitor developments in collaboration with Ford and Subaru as vehicle technologies and customer preferences evolve.”
The company stated that broader economic conditions, including tourism activity, infrastructure development, inflation, foreign exchange movements, and overall business confidence, continued to influence consumer purchasing power and commercial investment activity across Fiji.
It added those conditions affected demand for vehicle sales, servicing, spare parts, and fleet replacement activity throughout the automotive sector.
“Looking ahead, the company expects the industry to remain influenced by evolving customer expectations, technology developments, supply chains conditions, and broader economic activity across Fiji and the region.”
Fiji’s automative market comprises a combination of new vehicle sales, used vehicle imports, commercial fleet activity, and after-sales servicing operations.
According to the company, new vehicle demand remained strongest with the utility vehicle, SUV, and commercial vehicle segments, reflecting local terrain, business usage requirements, and customer preference for versatile vehicle platforms.
SML chairman Satya Prakash Maharaj said the automotive industry continued to evolve, shapred by technology, customer expectations and global trends.
“SML is well positioned to navigate this environment, supported by strong brands, a capable management team and a clear strategy,” Mr Maharaj said in the annual report.
Meanwhile, SML recorded a sales revenue of $54.4m, representing a 5.5 per cent growth; and an adjusted net profit after tax of $6.4m for the 2025 financial year.
