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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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the new Hyundai Exter compact SUV with a starting price of INR 579,900.

The new Exter features more than 25 enhancements across its design and technology. It remains the tallest vehicle in its segment, measuring 1,643 mm in height and offers a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. Exterior updates include redesigned front and rear bumpers and a black radiator grille. New R15 diamond-cut alloy wheels and a wing-type spoiler. Additions of wheel arch cladding and a new centre garnish for the front facia.

The cabin introduces a dual-tone Navy and Grey theme with a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It gets segment-first metal pedals and a built-in dashcam. A wireless smartphone integration for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a Type-C USB port for rear passengers. A boot capacity of 391 litres for petrol variants. More than 60 connected car features and 300 voice commands through Hyundai Bluelink.

The Exter comes with a 1.2 l Kappa Petrol engine, available with either a manual or AMT transmission. It also offers a Hy-CNG Duo variant featuring dual cylinders and an underbody spare tyre, which preserves 225 litres of luggage space.

Safety Specifications:

• Standard Safety: 30 features are standard across all variants, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
• Advanced Features: The vehicle includes more than 45 advanced safety features in total.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "Since its debut, the Hyundai Exter has received an overwhelming response, earning the trust of over 200,000 customers across India. With its bold design and segment defining features, Hyundai Exter has played a pivotal role in reimagining the segment. Building on this strong foundation, the new Hyundai Exter embodies a reinvigorated spirit of 'Drive to shine', with refreshed styling, a more premium cabin, smarter connectivity and an enhanced safety package. These upgrades further strengthen its appeal among families and young explorers seeking a versatile SUV that seamlessly blends style, practicality and everyday usability. The new Hyundai Exter reaffirms HMIL's commitment to delivering world class technology, superior safety and a reliable SUV for young and ambitious India."

The new Exter is available in seven monotone and one dual-tone colour options, including the new Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte.

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Japanese automotive major Nissan Motor India has introduced a 55-minute vehicle exchange initiative in partnership with Spinny. The programme allows customers to have their current vehicles evaluated on-site and apply exchange bonuses toward the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle within an hour.

The service is supported by dedicated evaluators across 30 cities. To facilitate the process, Spinny counters have been established at Nissan sales touchpoints, providing real-time assessments.

Key features of the collaboration include:

• Documentation: A 'selling letter' issued by Spinny is accepted as valid proof of exchange, removing the requirement for transferred RC documentation at the point of transaction.
• Lead Generation: The partnership integrates digital and physical touchpoints to manage used inventory and generate incremental leads for the dealer ecosystem.
• Product Eligibility: The programme applies to Nissan’s current India line-up, including the Magnite and the recently launched Nissan Gravite, which entered the market at an introductory price of INR 565,000.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “At Nissan Motor India, we are committed to building a customer-first ecosystem that simplifies every stage of the ownership journey. Strengthening our collaboration with Spinny and introducing faster exchange timelines reinforces our focus on convenience, transparency, and value for our customers and dealer partners - while supporting our broader growth in the country.”

Niraj Singh, Founder & CEO, Spinny, said, “Our continued partnership with Nissan Motor India represents a shared commitment to simplifying car ownership journeys. With faster exchanges, expanded evaluator presence, and integrated dealership touchpoints, we are working together to make car upgrades seamless, transparent, and rewarding for customers across India.”

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European auto major Stellantis has announced it will feature eight brands at the Paris Motor Show, scheduled for 12 to 18 October 2026. The group’s presence will be more than double that of the 2024 edition, occupying a 5,340-square-metre space in Hall 4 of the Porte de Versailles.

The exhibition will feature over 60 vehicles, including one public premiere and one European premiere:

• Lancia Gamma: Making its French debut, this flagship fastback will be produced at the Melfi plant. The model marks the brand's return to the upper segments and will offer both full-electric and hybrid powertrains.
• Leapmotor B03: A compact all-electric B-hatch making its European debut. The brand will also preview the B03X crossover and B05 hatch, both scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026.
• DS N°7: Official launch of the compact SUV, offering hybrid and fully electric versions with a range of up to 740 km.
• Fiat: The brand will unveil two new C-segment models and a concept car, alongside the Grande Panda and the Tris three-wheeled electric solution.

The automaker will have an interactive stand that will be divided into dedicated areas reflecting the specific identities of the participating brands:

“Inside its impressive 5,340-square-meter stand, located in Hall 4 of the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre, Stellantis will showcase more than 60 vehicles, highlighting a line-up capable of meeting every customer need – from urban micromobility to longer and more demanding journeys – thanks to the right balance of design, performance and functionality,” the company said in a statement.

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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has recorded the highest revenue in its history for the 2025 fiscal year, reaching EUR 3.20 billion, which marks a 3.3 percent increase over the previous year and marks the second consecutive year the company has exceeded the EUR 3 billion threshold.

The company reported an operating income of EUR 768 million with a profitability rate of 24 percent. These figures were achieved despite a volatile macroeconomic environment and specific exogenous pressures.

Key Financial Impacts:

• Currency and Trade: Negative exchange rate fluctuations and the introduction of US tariffs influenced the operating result.
• Strategic Investment: Costs associated with the Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy were fully accounted for during the financial year.
• Mitigation: The impact of these factors was moderated through a refined product mix and cost control measures.

In 2025, Lamborghini delivered 10,747 cars, surpassing the 10,000-unit mark for the third year in a row. A significant driver of value was the Ad Personam personalisation programme, with 94 percent of all vehicles delivered featuring at least one bespoke element.

The Revuelto and the newly launched Temerario, which began customer deliveries in early 2026 – form the core of the brand's hybridisation strategy. The Temerario features a powertrain capable of 10,000 rpm, a first for a production engine from the manufacturer.

The current range, including the Revuelto, Urus SE and Temerario, is now fully hybridised. Lamborghini has also confirmed plans for a fourth hybrid model as part of its long-term industrial vision, which remains focused on sustainable growth alongside the eventual development of a fully electric vehicle.

For 2026, the company intends to unveil further product developments at international events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “2025 shows that the strength of Automobili Lamborghini lies not only in numbers, but in our ability to manage complexity. In a challenging global context, we continued to grow, protecting profitability and further strengthening brand value. Our strategy is clear: discipline, long-term vision and product centrality. This balance allows us to turn external challenges into opportunities for consolidation and to continue creating sustainable value.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “External factors and the volatility of the broader macroeconomic environment made 2025 a particularly challenging year. In this context, we have closed a positive financial and business 12 months, safeguarding our level of profitability, which positions us among the most profitable players in the global luxury sector. The results achieved confirm our objective of sustainable growth while preserving profitability.”

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