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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Changan Automobile has unveiled its latest lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2025, presenting models across the AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL brands.

AVATR, the brand that focuses on ‘Emotive Luxury,’ headlined the event with the debut of the AVATR 07 SUV. Led by AVATR's European design team, the model has earned international honours, including the IDA International Design Gold Award and the 2025 German iF Design Award. The cabin combines materials, multi-sensory enjoyment, and quietness. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 3.9s and features CDC adaptive air suspension, powered by ADAS to deliver a seamless, reliable, and confident driving.

CHANGAN DEEPAL, a part of Changan’s Thailand portfolio, continued its market momentum. The DEEPAL S05, the first made-in-Thailand model launched in March 2025, ranked No. 1 in EV SUV registrations for two consecutive months. Responding to consumer enthusiasm, Changan introduced the S05 Max Long Range, offering an all-black exterior and interior, a 68.82 kWh battery with 560 km NEDC range and a 200 kW motor capable of zero to 100 kmph in just 6.48 seconds.

As Thailand transitions toward electrification, it has become a strategic hub for Changan. Under its ‘In Thailand, For Thailand’ strategy, Changan is advancing localisation across local manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service.

In May 2025, Changan inaugurated its first overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailand – employing over 1,000 Thai workers and achieving approximately 60 percent local content. In August, Changan hosted its first Service Skills Competition in Bangkok to reinforce its global after-sales standards.

Looking ahead, Changan plans to launch seven models in Thailand over the next three years. Over the next five years, Changan will introduce more than 50 NEVs globally, driving the momentum of AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL toward leadership in mobility.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPVL) and Red Bull India have announced an association to undertake acts that challenge norms, combining Tata Motors’ line of products with Red Bull’s athletes.

The first activity will feature the Harrier.ev SUV. The vehicle’s off-road capability will be tested by Red Bull athlete Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, a Guinness World Record holder in drifting and an icon in rally and drifting. A video of the challenge will be released soon.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “These are truly exciting times as we partner with a company like Red Bull – known for defying limits. This collaboration brings together two brands that share a passion for innovation, performance, and pushing boundaries. We are excited to showcase how cutting-edge technology and stylish design can complement the thrill of adventure and extreme performance. This journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.”

Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, said, “The Harrier.ev truly delivers on its promise of go-anywhere capability. After conquering steep terrains in the Elephant Rock challenge, it exceeded expectations by effortlessly completing the latest task we threw at it. Its segment-leading torque offers smooth, linear delivery, making every obstacle feel convenient. This experience is a testament to the Harrier.ev’s engineering excellence – a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India.”

This association marks the beginning of an adventure between TMPV and Red Bull India, both of which share a vision of delivering experiences that celebrate power, precision, and passion.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank for retail vehicle financing for customers.

The collaboration has been established to provide retail financing solutions for new cars and commercial vehicles, enhancing the accessibility and affordability of Maruti Suzuki vehicles for customers.

The partnership will leverage the growing customer base of the bank to benefit Maruti Suzuki customer profiles and offer them a range of comprehensive financing solutions.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales and Vishal Sharma, Vice-President, Maruti Suzuki Finance & Driving School, from Maruti Suzuki India. Representing Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank were Vinod Kumar Arora, Chairman and Vijay Vasant Raikwad, General Manager, along with senior officials from both organisations.

Partho Banerjee, said: “Our collaboration with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank strengthens our commitment to making car ownership more accessible and affordable. This strategic partnership enables us to extend our reach and offer customers competitive financing solutions that enhance the overall buying experience. We remain focused on delivering seamless and customer-centric finance options, and this alliance reinforces our vision of providing tailored financial support to a wider audience.”

Vinod Kumar Arora, said, “At Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, fulfilling customer aspirations is at the core of our mission. Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki, a leader in the automotive industry, marks a strategic step toward expanding our service offerings and delivering enhanced value to our customers. This collaboration reinforces our customer-centric philosophy of enabling accessible and affordable vehicle financing solutions. We look forward to supporting individuals and families across the country in realising their dream of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle.”

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The Indian passenger vehicle industry experienced its strongest festive season recently, driven by a combination of GST rate cuts and consumer demand, said a recent ICRA report.

In October 2025, passenger vehicle retail sales grew by 15 percent YoY. A sequential surge of 86 percent was observed as retail activity, deferred from the late-September Navratras, shifted into October.

Wholesale volumes also saw an uptick, increasing by 17 percent YoY and 24 percent sequentially to reach 460,000 units in October 2025, as OEMs boosted dispatches to dealers for the festive period.

Inventory levels with dealers reduced to 53-55 days by the end of October 2025, down from 60 days in September 2025, as reported by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA). This improvement was supported by a 21 percent YoY growth, with 800,000 units sold during the 42-day festive period.

Utility vehicles (UVs) continue to dominate the market, accounting for 66-67 percent of total industry volumes. However, the compact and super compact car segments showed signs of revival following the GST reductions.

Export volumes recorded a 12 percent YoY growth in October 2025. Maruti Suzuki India maintained its position as the top exporter, followed by Hyundai Motor India. For the first seven months of FY2026, export volumes expanded by 17 percent YoY, indicating a supply push from Indian OEMs in international markets.

Looking ahead, ICRA expects wholesale volume growth for the full fiscal year FY2026 to be in the range of 1-4  percent, supported by the demand momentum from GST rate cuts, continuous new model launches by OEMs and anticipated demand during the ongoing wedding season.

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