[anjan_c2007]

The Indian car market long considered among the top ones in the world for small cars and hatches has now graduated into becoming a market where SUV sales dominate. One in every two cars sold during the July-Sept 2021 quarter is a SUV. And the same feat is repeated in the total SUV sales figures for September '21.

SUV' s are available in all shapes and sizes (incl engine sizes) from almost every car maker and the 'below 4000 mm length for a lower GST' doctrine of the Finance Ministry has led to a deluge of such smaller SUV's, that have lately become darlings of car buyers.

Credit goes to the trendsetter Hyundai Creta's massive success that has led to a massive 'herd flocking' by almost every car maker into this domain. India has joined the list of countries with leading car sales, where SUV's dominate the charts since quite a few to quite many years.

The buyers feel safer and more secure in such SUV's solely due to the higher ground clearance and the muscular looks, that show a better road presence than the small cars/hatches and also most of the sedans. The proliferation of better expressways and the urge to drive to destinations rather than board the bus, train or airplane make the buyer choose a sturdier looking vehicle.

We had sales charts topped by the Maruti 800 for about two decades to be unseated by the Alto, then the Swift, later the Swift Dzire and so on, when the incumbent toppers were always predictable. From now on it will be interesting to see the new toppers and new trends being set in the Top 20 sales charts every month.

With sales of 87,720 units in September 2021, SUVs outnumbered the passenger cars category –– comprising hatchbacks and sedans — by a large distance as the latter could only sell 64,235 units in the same month.

And the trend was equally strong during the second quarter of 2021-22 — SUVs sold 3,67,457 units while passenger cars added up to 3,43,939 units, according to data sourced by TOI from SIAM, the industry lobby group.

The link:-

https://m.timesofindia.com/business/...w/87032143.cms

[abhishek46]

This 'SUV' trend started several years ago, abroad (US, EU markets etc.).

It was only a matter of time, before it caught the fancies of the Indian buyer.

The deteriorating road conditions in Indian Cities, and the un-predictable situations on the Highways, simply added fuel to the fire.

Not to mention, the introduction of Easy-To-Drive 'Cross-overs' made it very easy for masses, to transition from their Hatchbacks/Sedans.

[Nalin1]

For the higher seating position alone, SUVs/compact SUVs/crossovers are a boon. In a country where the traffic situation folds and unfolds virtually every second, I want to see WAÝYYY in front of me to plan my next move.

The other obvious things have been discussed a million times on this forum.

A big thumbs up to SUVs.

[saikarthik]

One picture is equal to thousand words,

India needs SUVs but, most people inspired by the SUV tag, buy more feature loaded soft utility vehicles. I am not against their decisions, but just citing the trend.

[Black_Star]

Originally Posted by saikarthik

One picture is equal to thousand words,

Attachment 2219348

India needs SUVs but, most people inspired by the SUV tag, buy more feature loaded soft utility vehicles. I am not against their decisions, but just citing the trend.

Well I did something similar with my Etios this summer but broke the clamps of the engine guard while doing it. Otherwise no water or damage to the car.

[volkman10]

Mid-size mania: India's new craze

In the past eight years, the mid-size SUV market has grown almost eight times accounting for nearly 22 percent of the PV market, and no auto maker wants to be left behind.

This segment, characterised by vehicles with a perfect blend of power, versatility, and practicality, has captivated the imagination of Indian car buyers. The combination of ruggedness, space and potent powertrains has made mid-size SUVs immensely popular, reshaping the Indian automotive landscape.

The transformation of the mid-size SUV segment began around 2012-2015, when a few automakers recognised the untapped potential of this market in India. This realisation led to the introduction of some breakthrough models such as the Renault Duster (2012) — which started it all — followed by the Hyundai Creta (2015), which has evolved into a powerful brand. These early entrants offered an appealing package of comfort, durability and a spacious cabin in a relatively compact footprint compared to full-size SUVs, thereby resonating with a wide range of Indian consumers.

The increasing popularity of mid-size SUVs can be attributed to a significant shift in consumer demand away from sedans fuelled by rising disposable income.

Increased options propelled market expansion

The success of early entrants — Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta — in the mid-size SUV segment prompted more automakers to tap into this lucrative market in India.

As a result, domestic and international manufacturers alike started introducing their offerings, intensifying competition and providing consumers with a wider range of choices.

Maruti Suzuki India:

The mid-size SUV segment is now the second-largest sub-segment in India — the largest being the entry-level compact SUVs. While entry-SUVs now comprise about 25 percent of the total PV market, mid-size SUVs have a 22 percent share. Therefore, it is a substantially big market overall.”

From early entrants capturing the market's attention to the wide array of choices available today, technological advancements and growing buyer aspirations, multiple factors have contributed to the success of the mid-size SUV segment, which has become a symbol of power, versatility, and adventure for Indian car owners.

Link

[volkman10]

SUVs capture 57% of India's PV market: Maruti leads with 26% market share, M&M at 18% in H1 FY2024.

With 1.18 million units and 21% growth, utility vehicles are the movers and shakers of the PV market. While Maruti Suzuki sales have crossed 300,000 units, Mahindra SUVs continue to see strong demand. Tata Motors sees its sales and share decline, likely due to the model transition for the Nexon.

This strong performance sees the UV sub-segment (SUVs and MPVs) increase its share of the PV market to the 57% – the highest ever in the first half of a fiscal. In fact, in September 2023’s total PV sales of 316,908 units, UVs comprised 193,872 or a 61% share. This has also meant that the cars (hatchbacks and sedans) and van sub-segments have seen their H1 FY2024 numbers fall by 8% and 1% respectively as consumers make a beeline for SUVs.

No carmaker in India can now afford to be without an SUV, which is why each of the 16 OEMs feature in the UV sales table (see data table below). As per their H1 FY2024 performance, while 10 companies have recorded YoY increases, six – Tata Motors, Kia India, Renault India, Nissan Motor India, FCA India and Isuzu Motors India – have registered a YoY decline. And all of this is reflected in their market shares.

Link

[volkman10]

Mahindra's SUV market share :

[volkman10]

SUV sales boom is bad for road safety, says Global NCAP president

Increasing growth and demand for SUV’s in India and other countries is a major road safety and environmental challenge, the governments should discourage sale of these big vehicles. In recent years, cars have become heavier, taller and more powerful.
Numerous studies have found that SUVs and pick-up vehicles are more deadly to vvulnerable road users (VRUs) in almost any crash.

Link:

[volkman10]

SUV-MPV share of passenger vehicle sales increases to 58% in April-November 2023.

No carmaker in India can now afford to be without an SUV, which is why each of the 16 OEMs feature in the UV sales table. As per the wholesales data released by apex industry body SIAM, while nine companies have recorded YoY increases, seven – Tata Motors, Kia India, Renault India, MG Motor India, Nissan Motor India, FCA India and Isuzu Motors India – have registered a YoY decline. And all of this is reflected in their market shares.

The top six OEMs (each with sales in six figures), together account for nearly 1.5 million units – 14,93,398 units – and an overwhelming 91% of total UV sales in the first eight months of FY2024.

PV market leader Maruti Suzuki India is the strong UV leader too – with 414,631 UVs sold in April-November 2023, the company has recorded handsome 83% YoY growth (April-November 2022: 227,164). This robust performance is thanks to a number of new SUVs it has launched over the past 8-12 months, which has not only helped it expand its market share but also eat into those of rivals.

As a result, Maruti’s UV market share has jumped to 25.43% from 17.16% a year ago, when it was just below Mahindra & Mahindra’s 17.34% share, and just 2,352 UVs behind M&M.

With average monthly sales of 203,732 UVs in the fiscal to date, India UV Inc is well set to cross the record FY2023 total in the next couple of months and drive towards the 2.35 million or 2.40 million mark for FY2024.

Link:

[volkman10]

UV segment booms in FY24.

SUVs, MPVs account for 60% of 3.84 million PV dispatches in first 11 months of FY2024

-Maruti Suzuki India: 16,07,163 PVs, up 9% YoY / 583,860 UVs, up 77%
UV share of PV sales: 36% in April 2023-Feb 2024 vs 22% a year ago

-Hyundai Motor India: 561,720 PVs, up 9% YoY / 352,512 UVs, up 28% YoY
UV share of PV sales: 63% in April 2023-Feb 2024 vs 53% a year ago

-Tata Motors: 529,250 PVs, up 6% YoY / 352,693 UVs, up up 8% YoY
UV share of PV sales: 67% in April 2023-Feb 2024 vs 63% a year ago

-Mahindra & Mahindra: 419,246 units, up 30% YoY / 419,233 UVs, up 31% YoY

-Kia India: 224,234 UVs, down 9% YoY

-Toyota Kirloskar Motor: 220,604 PVs, up 43% YoY / 170,544 UVs, up 45% YoY
UV share of PV sales: 77% in April 2023-Feb 2024 vs 76% a year ago



Link: