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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China’s SAIC Motor-owned British marquee brand MG has showcased two concept vehicles, the MG GO! and the MG Cyber Concept, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026. The concepts represent the company’s focus on blending its history with electric vehicle technology.

The MG GO! is a B-segment electric hatchback, providing a preview of a production model scheduled for 2027. Designed by the MG Design Centre in London, the concept draws inspiration from the brand’s mid-20th-century models, such as the MGB GT.

Carl Gotham, Design Director of Advanced Design, said, "With MG GO!, we wanted to create something compact and contemporary, but also warm, expressive and immediately likeable, an embodiment of all that we admire about the MG brand. It is not about looking back for its own sake, but about capturing some of the clarity, charm and emotional appeal that have always made MG so distinctive, and reinterpreting that in a way that feels relevant today and crucially creating something with strong charisma.”

On the other hand, the MG Cyber Concept is a D-segment electric performance SUV. It is intended to combine the utility of a larger vehicle with the driving dynamics associated with sports cars. The design was influenced by the EX181 land speed record vehicle.

Jozef Kaban, Vice-President of Global Design, MG, said, “Great design begins with people, not products. Technology and innovation are essential, but they can be shared. Character cannot. The future of automotive design is about creating cars with a strong identity that people instantly recognise and emotionally connect with. Great design should spark curiosity, excitement and desire. It should make people stop, smile and want to discover more. Our MG concepts express this vision for the future of the brand. Because great design is never just about the car. It’s about people, their experiences and their dreams. Our role is to inspire them and create products that enrich their journey through life.”

Alongside the concepts, MG presented a ‘Future Motion Show’ to demonstrate its work in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and connectivity.

The company also displayed six production vehicles currently in its range:

• MGS9 PHEV: A seven-seat SUV.
• MG4 EV Urban: A hatchback.
• MG HS Plug-in Hybrid.
• MG IM5: A saloon.
• MG ZS Hybrid+.
• MG Cyberster: An electric roadster.

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Nissan Motor India has unveiled its latest product offering for the Indian and the global market the Tekton, C-segment SUV, which will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

The Tekton is based on the recently introduced Renault Duster SUV and has also incorporated design cues from its popular Patrol SUV. Manufactured at Renault’s Chennai plant, it is designed for both domestic sales and export to markets including the Middle East and Africa.

The SUV features a turbocharged engine lineup, consisting of the Turbo T160 and Turbo T280 options. The T280 provides 163PS of power and 280Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed wet clutch DCT or a 6-speed manual transmission. The SUV offers a ground clearance of 212 mm and 700 litres of boot space.

On the inside, the Tekton features a dual-screen setup comprising a 25.65 cm infotainment system with Google built-in and a 26.03 cm digital cockpit. Connectivity features include navigation via Google Maps, voice assistance through Google Assistant and access to applications via Google Play.

In terms of safety the Tekton comes with 6 airbags as standard, a high-strength steel frame and a suite of 17 driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

Guillaume Cartier, Chief Performance Officer, Nissan, said, "We are building a stronger and more competitive Nissan in India. As we continue to strengthen our SUV-led portfolio and sharpen our market focus, the World Premiere of the all-new Nissan Tekton reflects our ambition to combine global product strength with deep local relevance. Tekton is a clear expression of how Nissan is transforming with purpose - towards a more competitive, future-ready portfolio."

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, AMIEO Region, Nissan, said, "India is powering Nissan's growth across markets and regions. Tekton is a strong example of our 'One Car, One World' approach - a global product engineered through India, manufactured for Indian customers and developed for export markets across the region. It strengthens India's role as a growth engine and SUV production hub for Nissan."

Thierry Sabbagh, DVP - President, Middle East, KSA, India, CIS - Nissan and INFINITI, said, "Tekton is a strong signal of our capability, bringing global SUV excellence to India. Following the launch of the all-new Gravite, the World Premiere of the all-new Nissan Tekton accelerates our resurgence journey and strengthens our SUV portfolio in India. Tekton combines bold design, premium features, advanced technology and strong SUV character in a way that aligns with evolving customer expectations."

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, "Nissan's resurgence in India is taking formidable shape, driven by a sharper product focus, network expansion and a deeper understanding of what Indian customers truly value. Tekton is the flagship proof point of Nissan's India resurgence. It has been crafted to deliver commanding presence, unmistakable luxury, intelligent technology, confident performance and everyday practicality in a package that is made in India and ready for the world."

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Ford Motor Company has opened an 800-seat Global Capability Centre in Coimbatore. It is part of the automaker’s strategy to expands its India operations. The company sold its Sanand plant to Tata Motors but has retained its Chennai plant, which is indicative of the fact that it is still interested in the Indian market.
The Global Capability Centre commissioned at Coimbatore is third centre by the company of its kind. It follows centres in Chennai and Bengaluru. The 82,000 sq ft facility at Coimbatore will mainly support accounting, Ford Credit and other business operations, while also serving as a business continuity hub for the company's Chennai GCC.
“We earlier operated a centre in Coimbatore, which we closed during the COVID pandemic. We have had positive experience with the local talent pool here especially in terms of quality and the range of talent across commercial, operational and engineering operations,” said Gangapriya Chakraverti, India Site Head and Managing Director, Ford Business Solutions. “Ford's biggest talent demand in India continues to be in software engineering, data science and data analytics, alongside the company's growing investments in AI,” she added.

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Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced a leadership change within its sales, marketing and digital division. Jan Bures, who currently serves as Executive Director of Sales, Marketing, and Digital, will conclude his assignment in India and move to a new role at Volkswagen, effective September 2026.

Following the departure of Bures, Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, will take on the additional responsibility of Executive Director of Sales & Marketing for the group in India.

The company stated that this structure is intended to improve strategic alignment, decision-making and accountability across the organisation.

At present, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India operates six brands: Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche.

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