Last year, it is very apparent that SUVs ruled the India passenger car market as the sales figures of the same increased significantly. The SUV and MPVs saw the highest growth in terms of annual sales, but sales of hatchbacks and sedans declined. This shift increasingly defines the choice of utility vehicles by Indian consumers to SUVs.
The Indian car market has been highly competitive, with several SUV and MPV models trying to attract the attention of the consumer. Among the most successful brands is Tata, whose popular model, the Tata Punch, has been sold in considerable volume. The success of the Punch has also led to a change in the automotive landscape across India, as it exceeded its arch-nemesis, the Maruti WagonR, and became the highest-selling model last year. Maruti, though, kept on doing good business with the Ertiga and other models that ensured a top five spot. Mahindra was another major player in the SUV market. It had done well with sales, especially with models like the Mahindra Scorpio. It had managed to gain ground in the annual sales rankings and moved up the list, significantly improving its position. The Scorpio, along with other Mahindra models like the XUV700, did well and showed that the brand was becoming increasingly popular in India.
Hyundai, too, made its presence felt with Creta, one of the most popular models in the mid-size SUV segment. Its consistent performance ensured that it continued to remain at the top sales positions, despite growing competition. Other notable models included the Kia Seltos, which witnessed a marginal dip in sales but continued to hold a very strong market share, and Toyota Innova, which remained as one of the best-selling MPVs.
A strong performer of this period for compact SUV sales included the likes of Toyota Hyryder-ecofriendly, hybrid. There is nothing quite like gaining some attention as much as such eco-friendly vehicles will, due to their incredible fuel efficiency along with stylish looks. The others joining the club included Nissan Magnite and Honda's Elevate.
In summary, the Indian car market saw tremendous changes last year, with SUVs, especially from Tata, Mahindra, and Hyundai, dominating the sales.
With increasing competition and changing consumer preferences, it is evident that SUVs will continue to dominate the market in the coming years. The top performers include models like Tata Punch, Mahindra Scorpio, and Hyundai Creta. Newer entrants, such as the Toyota Hyryder and Nissan Magnite, are also beginning to make their presence felt. This trend of evolution shows that the demands of Indian consumers are changing, who are now more interested in bigger and more versatile vehicles.