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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Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has entered the India Book of Records for the largest convoy of a single-model four-wheeler to reach Leh. A fleet of 60 Nissan Tekton vehicles completed a 5-day expedition covering more than 700 kilometres to achieve the record.

The drive commenced in Chandigarh at an altitude of 1,053 feet, passed through Manali, Zangla and Shinku La Pass at 16,703 feet and concluded in Leh at 11,480 feet. The SUVs were driven by media representatives and automotive industry participants throughout the route across varying terrain and weather conditions.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Entering the India Book of Records with the all-new Nissan Tekton is a proud moment for Nissan Motor India and a fitting celebration of our 75-year SUV excellence. While the record is significant, what makes the achievement especially meaningful is what it represents. Sixty Tekton SUVs successfully completed a demanding Himalayan drive, demonstrating the vehicle’s capability, durability and engineering strength in real-world conditions. This milestone reflects Nissan’s commitment to delivering premium SUVs that give customers confidence wherever their journeys take them. It also reinforces our belief in the all-new Tekton as a vehicle engineered to perform across India’s diverse driving environments.”

Manufactured at Renault’s plant in Chennai under its ‘One Car, One World’ production framework, the Tekton is sold in India and for export markets, including the Middle East and Africa. The model line-up features turbocharged engines, integrated Google services and design elements derived from the Nissan Patrol.

The prices for Tekton SUV start at INR 1.04 million for the Turbo T160 line and INR 1.49 million for the Turbo T280 line (ex-showroom). Retail bookings are open across digital channels and dealerships, with customer deliveries having commenced on 20 July 2026.

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American hypercar manufacturer Hennessey Special Vehicles has revealed its latest offering, the Blackbird, a naturally aspirated, manual-transmission hypercar. The model serves as the company's third hypercar following the Venom GT and Venom F5.

The Blackbird features design elements inspired by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, including a body-side chine line and active vertical rear stabilisers that deploy at 71 mph (115 kmph) at angles of +/- 71 degrees. Additional exterior detailing includes a quad-exhaust system referencing the Bell X-1 aircraft, Formula One-style side pods and LMP1-inspired winglets.

It is powered by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine developed in partnership with Ilmor Engineering. Hennessey targets an output of 800 to 850 horsepower and an engine speed exceeding 9,000 rpm. The powertrain pairs with a six-speed gated manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, targeting a zero to 60 mph (96 kmph) acceleration time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph (354 kmph).

The Blackbird is built on a bespoke carbon-fibre tub with carbon-fibre bodywork, targeting a dry weight of under 1,360 kg (3,000 lbs). The chassis utilises an inboard suspension architecture with adaptive dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, traction control and anti-lock brakes. The cabin excludes digital screens, utilising a central analogue tachometer, physical controls, hidden smartphone integration and storage space accommodating two carry-on bags alongside rear-quarter and in-cabin compartments.

Production is limited to 71 units globally, priced from USD 2.5 million before taxes, with assembly taking place in Texas. Customer deliveries are planned for 2029–2030 following the conclusion of Venom F5 production.

John Hennessey, Founder and CEO, Hennessey, said, “Blackbird isn’t just the next chapter in the Hennessey story, it represents the beginning of a new book. Our third hypercar, Blackbird, is unexpected by design, yet it’s exactly what I wanted to create and what our customers have been asking for. Challenging expectations has always been part of our DNA. From the beginning, Blackbird was guided by a simple idea: to deliver an analogue experience where beauty and drama define every moment. This is not a numbers car. We set out to create an unparalleled emotional experience, from the first time you see it to the moment you take the wheel and feel the connection between driver and machine.”

Nathan Malinick, Director of Design, Hennessey, said, “Beauty is not a byproduct, it must be intentional. With Blackbird, every decision our team made, inside and out, was guided by our vision to create the ultimate touring hypercar: one that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and aggression, beauty and purpose, inspiring people to fall in love at first sight. As Hennessey’s third hypercar, Blackbird represents the next evolution of our design DNA and the incredible work of an entire team committed to creating something truly timeless.”

Angela Edgar, Vice-President of Lubricants Marketing, Pennzoil, said, “Pennzoil and Hennessey have built a longstanding relationship rooted in a shared passion for engineering excellence and pushing the limits of what’s possible. The all-new Blackbird is another exciting milestone in that journey. We’re proud to support Hennessey’s relentless pursuit of innovation with advanced lubricant technology engineered to help protect high-performance engines and deliver lasting performance. Together, we’re proving that exceptional engineering and engine longevity go hand in hand.”

Brycen Hicklin, Senior Designer, Hennessey, said, “The Blackbird interior delivers a cockpit worthy of its name. Thoughtfully balancing mechanical tactility with refined luxury, it serves to elevate the driver and passenger experience. Every interaction rewards the driver with an authentic connection to the machine, while exceptional comfort and generous luggage capacity encourage long journeys without compromise.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has released a teaser of its first hybrid vehicle launch in the country the Sorento SUV, which serves as the manufacturer's global flagship SUV.

Originally introduced in 2002, the Sorento nameplate has recorded global sales of 4.8 million units across four product generations in 132 countries. The vehicle ranked among the brand's top three best-selling models globally in 2024 and 2025, receiving industry safety classifications including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-Star NHTSA rating.

Teaser images issued by the company show an upright vehicle profile featuring a distinct shoulder line and a two-tier front lighting design with an illuminated upper graphic across the bonnet area. The India-spec configuration incorporates Kia's hybrid powertrain technology.

The company has opened advance reservations for the model through its dealership network and official website, with full specifications and launch timelines to be announced prior to the official commercial release.

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MG Select, the luxury division of JSW MG Motor India has introduced the Couture Edition of the MG M9 at INR 8.49 million, while the Cyberster Couture Edition is priced at INR 8.74 million.

The vehicles were created through a design partnership with fashion designer Gaurav Gupta. The collaboration began at the opening of Gupta's menswear flagship store in New Delhi, followed by an official vehicle integration during his 'Light Song' couture showcase in Mumbai on 17 July 2026.

Both models incorporate Gupta's Serpent Infinity design motif across interior and exterior surfaces, using hand embroidery, tonal layering and surface detailing techniques derived from garment construction.

Milind Shah, Head – MG Select, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The Cyberster and M9 have quickly become the most sought-after luxury EVs in their segment. By introducing a couture layer, we are building on that popularity with an offering that is both rare and collectible. It strengthens MG SELECT’s business proposition by uniting proven demand with exclusivity, ensuring our luxury channel continues to establish itself as a curator of distinct experiences for discerning customers.”

Gaurav Gupta said, “I’ve always believed that great design transcends categories. This collaboration with MG demonstrates how the principles of couture, craftsmanship, precision and emotional storytelling can transform the way we experience luxury mobility. Together, we’ve created something that is as expressive as it is functional.”

Production of the Couture Edition specification is limited to 50 units per vehicle model. Sales will be handled exclusively through MG SELECT Experience Centres across 14 cities, with orders opening on the official brand website ahead of customer deliveries scheduled to begin on 10 August 2026.

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