SUVs continue their dominant streak as the vehicle of choice across demographics. They have come to account for a 43 percent year-on-year traffic increase across all sub-segments, according to a statement by CarDekho.com.  
Released with an eye on the festive season of 2024, the statement takes a look at the pre-festive season traffic trends across various sub-segments of the four-wheel passenger vehicle industry during the period April-September. 
With SUVs dominating, the statement reads that 58 models are available in the respective segment. Stating that more models are scheduled to be launched in FY2024-25, it underlines the broad range of fuel and engine type combinations, catering to diverse consumer needs and providing tailored options to suit varying preferences.
In the April-September 2024 period, the mass SUV segment led the growth in the automotive market, registering a strong 43 percent year-over-year (YoY) increase in traffic. Its contribution to overall traffic on the platform rose from 50 percent to 63 percent, making it the most dominant body type. 
While all SUV sub-segments displayed significant growth, the compact SUVs (sub-four-metre) sub-segment led the charge in the SUV segment with 37 percent year-on-year growth, increasing their traffic contribution from 32 percent to 38 percent. 
Interesting is the rise in prices of hatchbacks in the Indian market with their average selling price getting close to the average selling price of SUVs. 
This is said to be one of the factors that is leading to a switch to SUVs. With executive SUVs witnessing the highest growth within the SUV category at 47 percent year-on-year increase (their share is rising from 15 percent to 19 percent respectively), the demand for SUVs is expected to rise steadily over the short and mid-term as existing as well as new infrastructure quality continues to be a matter of concern. The quality of infrastructure looks inversely proportional to the rise in toll tax ironically across highways and city roads. 
The midsize SUV sub-segment also performed well with a 31 percent year-on-year increase, as per the CarDekho.com statement.

Mass hatchback segment
In the mass hatchback segment, traffic grew by 28 percent year-on-year, driven largely by premium hatchbacks that make up 86 percent of the total traffic in the respective category. 
Premium hatchbacks experienced a 31 percent year-on-year growth, while mini hatchbacks grew by 20 percent. The micro hatchbacks saw a 22 percent decline in traffic (this includes cars like the Marut Alto).
With a shift in consumer interest away from smaller, ultra-compact vehicles evident, it is the SUVs that seem to benefit from rather than sedans. 
The sedans showed the lowest growth among all body types with an 18 percent year-on-year increase, maintaining a consistent 15 percent share of overall traffic. Despite this, the premium sedan segment saw a significant 65 percent year-on-year growth even though it is driven by just one model. The sub-segment’s contribution remains at only one percent of total site traffic.
“The continued growth of the SUV segment reflects a strong and evolving consumer preference within the automotive industry. SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for a wide range of buyers due to their versatility, enhanced driving comfort, and ability to meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Compact SUVs, in particular, have gained significant traction, offering the perfect combination of practicality and performance. As we see this segment expand, it's driving healthy competition, promoting innovation, and ultimately offering a wider range of choices to the Indian consumer. This surge signals a maturing market where consumers are increasingly discerning, pushing the industry to elevate its game across design, features, and value proposition,” said Mayank Jain, CEO, New Auto (CarDekho Group).

Luxury autos
On the luxury brand side, the CarDekho.com statement reads, that traffic rose by 17 percent year-on-year across all model pages. Although luxury vehicles continue to garner interest, their share of total traffic remains relatively low compared to mass market segments, it mentioned.

Image for representative purpose only
 

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The Honda India Foundation handed over 101 Emergency Response Vehicles to the Mumbai Police at a ceremony held in Worli, Mumbai. The deployment includes 100 Honda CB350 motorcycles and one Honda Elevate vehicle modified for police use to support patrolling and field response capabilities in Mumbai.

The flag-off ceremony took place in the presence of Mohd. Suvez Haque, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration), Mumbai; Piyush Mittal, Vice-President & Operating Head, General Affairs & Corporate Affairs, Honda Cars India; Rajeev Taneja, Operating Officer, Honda India Foundation and representatives from the police and the foundation.

The motorcycles are equipped with sirens, public-address systems, LED emergency lights, front display boards, windscreens and storage boxes. The Honda Elevate has also been customised for police duties.

This deployment forms part of the Honda India Foundation programme, ‘Sadak Sahayak – Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jeevan.’

With this handover, the foundation has deployed a cumulative 613 motorcycles to support police mobility and field operations across India.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the 19th edition of the India Couture Week.

The event, in its fourth consecutive year in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India will run from 23rd to 29th July 2026.

For the first time, the event commences with a showcase by designer Anamika Khanna at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad on 23rd July 2026. Subsequent showcases take place at the Taj Palace in New Delhi from 24th to 29th July 2026, featuring designers including Falguni Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, House of Masaba, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, Rimzim Dadu, Arpita Mehta, Kunal Rawal, Dolly J, Jayanti Reddy, Aisha Rao and Rahul Mishra. The event will also include a display of the IONIQ 5.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As we celebrate 30 remarkable years of driving progress in India, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India for the fourth consecutive year at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026. This enduring association reflects our shared belief that exceptional design, innovation and craftsmanship have the power to inspire and create meaningful experiences. At Hyundai, design goes beyond aesthetics, it is at the heart of how we shape future mobility. Through platforms like India Couture Week, we are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant creative talent while strengthening our connection with discerning customers who value innovation, style and excellence. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enriching lives through smart mobility solutions and meaningful collaborations that reflect the aspirations of a new India.”

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "Our partnership with Hyundai Motor India enters its fourth successful year, reflecting a shared commitment to design excellence, innovation and craftsmanship. Hyundai India Couture Week has evolved into India's most prestigious and awaited couture platform, championing the artistry of our designers and artisans while setting new benchmarks for creativity season after season. We are proud to once again present the 19th edition that celebrates the richness of Indian couture, while shaping the future of global luxury fashion."

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has added two dual-tone colour options, Shimla Green and Steel Grey, to the Slavia Monte Carlo range. The limited edition is restricted to 200 units and will be available in the 1.0 AT and 1.5 DSG variants.

The Monte Carlo version features blacked-out exterior styling elements and a black and red interior theme. Customers can select between a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre unit includes Active Cylinder Technology and Plasma-Coated Cylinder Liners.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia Monte Carlo has been well received by customers for its distinctive design, premium appeal, engaging driving dynamics and strong connection to our motorsport heritage. We are further enhancing the individuality and desirability of the Monte Carlo range, offering customers greater choice and exclusivity. The Slavia Monte Carlo continues to embody the perfect blend of style, performance, and modernity. We will continue to strengthen our sedan portfolio, in line with the evolving aspirations of our customers.”

The Monte Carlo trim pays homage to Skoda's involvement in the Rallye Monte Carlo.

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Stellantis-owned French automotive brand Citroen India has announced the launch of the Basalt X Comfort Edition, priced from INR 875,000.

The new edition is introduced as part of the brand's 108th anniversary celebrations and marks the extension of Citroen’s Comfort philosophy to the Basalt lineup.

The Basalt X Comfort Edition features Metropolitan Beige Leatherette Seats as standard and introduces curated Comfort AXS Packs. These packages include equipment such as JBL Audio, dash cameras, a reverse parking camera, a wireless charger and a 10-inch Android touchscreen.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "At Citroen, comfort has always been at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Citroen's 108th anniversary globally, the introduction of the Basalt X Comfort Edition further reinforces our commitment to bringing comfort-led innovation to Indian customers. Following the encouraging response to the Aircross Comfort Edition, we are extending this philosophy to the Basalt, making premium comfort features more accessible across our portfolio. The Basalt X Comfort Edition combines premium factory-fitted interiors with thoughtfully curated Comfort AXS Packs that enhance convenience, technology and personalisation – delivering greater value and an ownership experience that truly reflects Citroen's Advanced Comfort philosophy."

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