DIESEL SUV SALES
In SUV race, CNG raring to close gap with diesel
CNG is becoming a popular choice among cost-conscious small SUV buyers, surpassing diesel and BEVs in registrations. The demand for CNG vehicles has increased significantly, with manufacturers seeing remarkable sales growth. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India are leading the way in CNG SUV offerings and sales. New models are being introduced to meet the rising consumer demand for CNG options.
Indian car buyers trade up selectively as CNG, EVs gain ground over fuel; SUV growth reshapes price ladder
Indian passenger vehicle sales have shown a pronounced shift towards higher price bands and alternative fuel options. The ₹12 lakh-20 lakh segment grew significantly, while lower segments experienced a slight decline. Petrol vehicle registrations decreased, with CNG and electric vehicles gaining market share. Compact SUVs have become increasingly popular, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and technology advancements.
Kia India clocks highest-ever monthly sales of 33,462 units in October, up 13.22%
Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly wholesales at 33,462 units in October 2026, up 13.22% year-on-year, surpassing its previous record set in September. Cumulative sales rose 21.31% to 2,86,470 units during January-October, exceeding the automaker's full-year 2025 sales, with festive demand and multiple powertrains supporting growth.
JLR looks to narrow gap with BMW in India on local Defender assembly and price cuts of up to Rs 34 lakh
Jaguar Land Rover is focusing on local assembly of the Land Rover Defender to increase its market presence. The company has reduced prices of certain Defender variants by significantly lowering their costs to attract more buyers. Despite being third in luxury car sales, JLR expects to close the gap with BMW through these changes. Amba anticipates a 20% increase in annual sales volume due to local assembly benefits.
JLR starts local Defender production, cuts prices by up to Rs 34 lakh
Jaguar Land Rover has begun producing the Defender 110 at its Pune facility to serve Indian customers. This local production is expected to decrease prices by up to Rs 34 lakh for the top-end model. The company believes this move will lead to a potential 20 percent increase in sales volume. With over 9,000 Defenders sold in India, it has gained popularity and cultural significance.
Hyundai targets 2.5 lakh annual Creta, Bayon sales as it steps up India SUV push
By FY27, Hyundai Motor India plans to roll out two mass-market SUVs, with one being an electric model. The firm anticipates selling 250,000 units of the Creta and Bayon in 2027, with SUV sales comprising 75% of total sales by FY28, up from 68-69% now. Production of the Bayon will occur at the Chennai facility, as part of Hyundai's $15.5 billion investment in India set for 2032.
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Hyundai reveals ambitious plan at new Bayon launch; Creta to be part of big push as well
The mid-size utility vehicle category, comprising SUVs and MPVs measuring 4-4.4 metres in length, recorded sales of around 9 lakh units in the last financial year. The segment accounted for nearly 35% of Hyundai's domestic sales in FY26, with the Creta alone contributing close to 2 lakh units annually over the past two financial years.
Tesla pitches Model Y at Rs 19,990 a month after fuel savings, with Rs 6 lakh down payment
Tesla is offering its Model Y electric SUV at an advertised effective monthly cost of Rs 19,990 during a three-day sales carnival from October 23 to 25 across India. The offer requires a Rs 6 lakh down payment, with a monthly instalment of Rs 39,990 under a seven-year step-up EMI plan at 8.5% annual interest, subject to financier approval.
Carmakers gear up with multi-powertrain models as Indian buyers shift beyond petrol, diesel
Car manufacturers are expanding powertrain offerings by introducing electric, CNG, hybrid, and petrol options. Companies like Renault and Stellantis are addressing regional demands for efficient engines and diverse vehicles. The rising fuel prices and tighter emission norms are compelling automakers to adapt their strategies. Toyota and Mahindra are focusing on multi-energy platforms to meet market needs effectively.
Renault India’s hybrid-CNG bet could transform its sales mix: CEO Stephane Deblaise
Renault is focusing on hybrid and CNG vehicles to enhance its presence in the Indian market. CEO Stephane Deblaise indicated these vehicles could comprise half of their sales mix in the next two to three years. The company has launched a strong hybrid Duster SUV and plans to introduce CNG models thereafter. Renault aims for a 3-5% market share by 2030 through its strategy of offering seven models in India.
‘Could sell 3,000 more EVs a month’ if supply constraints ease: Mahindra
Mahindra & Mahindra reported strong demand for its electric vehicles, which may reach 10,000 to 11,000 units monthly. Current production capacity for electric SUVs is around 8,000 units, which is expected to increase to 12,000 this financial year. The rise in petrol and diesel prices, along with improved charging infrastructure, is encouraging more customers to opt for electric vehicles.
Will analysts' predictions go wrong? 15 auto stocks with upside potential of up to 50% to as low as negative 1%
For anyone trying to figure out where the economy is headed in the next six months, the numbers to watch will come from auto showrooms. The auto sector has, for long, provided the earliest indications of the health of the economy. And the sales numbers it puts out ahead of the festive weeks are where the correlation is best seen. So, keep a close watch on the auto pack.
Half a dozen small hybrids getting ready for Indian launch
Automakers including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota and Renault are preparing around half a dozen small hybrid vehicles for India over the next 18-24 months, drawn by lower 18% GST on compact cars and tighter CAFE 3 norms. The sub-four-metre segment’s strong growth is also encouraging manufacturers to pursue affordable hybrids.
2026 Thar OG vs old Thar: How the facelifted SUV differs from the outgoing model in 5 major areas
The Mahindra Thar OG arrives with a revised lineup and several updates borrowed from the Thar Roxx, while retaining the existing Rs 10.32 lakh starting price. Compared with the outgoing Thar, it is wider, gets more ground clearance, updated lighting and new cabin features, along with revised suspension and traction hardware. Its three engine options, however, continue unchanged.
From Maruti to Mahindra, top industry execs say GST 2.0 changed the demand equation
Passenger vehicle demand surged after GST rationalisation, boosting Maruti Suzuki's sales significantly. Mahindra & Mahindra also reported strong growth across its vehicle segments. Improved affordability brought many new buyers into the automotive market. This tax adjustment has driven overall auto retail growth and market expansion. Manufacturers are now accelerating capital expenditure plans due to this positive trend.
In 1950s, this transport was considered luxury travel before SUVs and private jets came along. It had a washroom, heating and air conditioning
In 1954, Greyhound transformed bus travel with its Scenicruiser, featuring a raised observation deck, panoramic windows, air conditioning and reclining seats. Built to make highway journeys feel luxurious, the futuristic coach became an icon of American transportation. More than seven decades later, a surviving example heading to auction offers a glimpse into an era when the journey mattered as much as the destination.
Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX EDGE launched at ₹9.39 lakh; petrol automatic variant added to REVX M(O)
Mahindra has launched the new XUV 3XO REVX EDGE starting at ₹9.39 lakh. A petrol automatic variant of the REVX M(O) was also introduced for ₹9.99 lakh. The XUV 3XO has achieved over 2.5 lakh sales in under 2.5 years. The REVX EDGE offers features like a 26.03 cm infotainment system and leatherette seats. The REVX EDGE (O) variant adds a panoramic sunroof and other convenience features.
Kia enters India’s hybrid passenger vehicle market with 3-row SUV Sorento
Kia India has launched its new Sorento SUV, marking its entry into the hybrid vehicle market. The premium three-row sport-utility vehicle is priced at Rs 28 lakh and offers hybrid and diesel options. Production of the Sorento has commenced in India, with pre-bookings now open for Rs 25,000. This new model will compete with established players like the Toyota Fortuner and Skoda Kodiaq.
Kia looks to roll out multiple powertrains to meet India demand
Kia India is preparing electric, hybrid, and CNG models for the Indian market. The company acknowledges a huge burden in predicting customer powertrain preferences. Its new Sorento SUV launches with hybrid and diesel options. Kia plans further hybrid and electric vehicle introductions by 2030. Affordability will significantly influence electrified powertrain market penetration.
Roaring SUV sales puts diesel back on the growth path
Share of diesel in total PV sales is estimated at 18% as of the first half of December 2024, up from 17.8% in 2023, according to Jato Dynamics, a market research, data and analytics firm. Diesel vehicle sales climbed to 774,000 units from 738,000 units during this period. SUVs have a 55% share of total car sales this year, up from 48.4% in 2023.
Focus remains firmly on utility vehicle segment in India: Kia
Due to some product launches last year, it has grown to 11 per cent last year, Brar said. Similarly, the contribution of hatchbacks has come to 48 per cent in 2022 from 65 per cent in 2018, he said. When asked about diesel cars, Brar noted that diesel trims of Sonet and Seltos currently contribute around 30-35 per cent to the overall sales of the two models.
Pulling power of diesel drops in SUV sales surge
Maruti Suzuki to Hyundai Motor India and Honda Cars India pulled the plug on more than 50 models of diesel cars and utility vehicles in the last three years, amid the shift in consumer preference to petrol. This shift to petrol is more pronounced in small cars and sedans where the share of diesel now stands at 1.2% (9.6% in FY19) and 2.4% (40.1% in FY19), respectively.
Hyundai to put more money into diesel as SUV demand soars
"Diesel accounted for 26% of sales in our portfolio last year, which is similar to the ratio we registered pre-pandemic (prior to the transition to BS-VI norms)," Tarun Garg, chief operating officer (sales, marketing, service and product strategy), Hyundai Motor India, told ET. "With growing sales of SUVs, we are seeing a preference for diesel fuel at the more premium end of the market."
Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra are not giving up on diesel yet
A sharp increase in sales of sports utility vehicles, coupled with an uptick in average selling price of vehicles in the country over the last three years, has prompted the two companies to invest in the technology despite market leader Maruti Suzuki, Renault-Nissan and the Volkswagen Group choosing to stay away from the category after April 2020.
More Indians driving home petrol SUVs
More than three out of every five entry SUVs sold in H1FY21 run on petrol, up from barely a third three years ago.
Auto makers expect demand for compact SUVs to revive sector hit hard by lockdowns
Functionality, space and comfort -- along with great driving experience and manoeuvrability – has led to more consumers preferring this category, according to industry experts, with leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra and Mahindra, Hyundai Motors , Ford and Tata Motors offering key models that cater specifically to this segment.
Hyundai grabs pole position in SUV market, eyes 50% sales from the segment for the rest of the year
For a company that was known for its small cars and sedans not too long ago, Hyundai saw almost half its sales come from the SUV segment at the end of June 2020. It expects the ratio to be similar for the rest of the year.
SUV buyers favour petrol models as BS-VI nears
Demand for diesel cars is expected to taper off further going ahead owing to various reasons.
Petrol SUVs fast becoming new normal
Diesel with its better pulling power and fuel economy has traditionally dominated the UV segment.
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