In July 2024, almost a quarter (23.37%) of all cars sold in India were Midsize SUVs. Meanwhile, sales of midsize sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia dropped by 38.96%. Among car manufacturers, Toyota Kirloskar saw the biggest growth, with a 42.27% increase compared to last July. Mahindra's sales went up by 14.96%, and Kia's by 2.52%.

The Creta claimed the No. 1 spot among the top 10 bestselling passenger vehicles in July 2024.

The Creta secured the No. 1 spot among the top 10 bestselling passenger vehicles in July 2024. However, overall sales in the passenger vehicle segment slowed down for most carmakers during that month. Compared to July last year, hatchback sales dropped by almost 15%, sedans by 22%, and MUVs by 0.7%. In contrast, SUV sales increased by 7%.

Interestingly, nearly a quarter (23.37%) of all cars sold in India in July 2024 were 4-meter SUVs. On the other hand, sales of midsize sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia dropped by 38.96%.

Among car manufacturers, Toyota Kirloskar saw the highest year-on-year growth, with a 42.27% increase compared to last July. Mahindra's sales rose by 14.96%, and Kia's by 2.52%.

Despite its fresh redesign, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift hatchback saw a 6% drop in sales compared to July last year and is now being offered with discounts of around INR 30,000. This isn’t the ideal situation Maruti would have hoped for, and it confirms that the hatchback segment is gradually declining.

Maruti is holding its position and market share, thanks to the Ertiga (up 9.4%) and the Wagon R (Up 25%). Overall sales however are down a whopping 9.64% over July last year.

There has been no significant uptake in Swift sales since May 2024 when the new model was released.

In the midsize SUV category, Hyundai Creta has been the segment leader. Recently, three new models have entered this space. Tata Motors has introduced its Curvv, Mahindra its Thar Roxx and Citroen the Basalt.

Excitement in midsize SUVs

Upcoming months will be interesting to watch out if the introduction of the new models expands this market, or results in a tough fight with the existing players.

It may be noted that the midsize SUV category has about 10 models, but in terms of sales only 4 models have been successful. This includes the Creta, Seltos, Hyryder and the Grand Vitara, which together comprise 85% of the sales in this segment. What makes them a preferred choice is a wide range of engines and gearboxes, and a panoramic sunroof option. The remaining 6 of them are fighting for less than 15% of the segment.

Meanwhile, Creta also takes up the No 1 spot in the Top 10 bestselling PV models for July 2024. This was followed by Swift, WagonR, Punch and then Ertiga on No 5. Only 2 hatchbacks take up space in the Top 10 list, while 5 SUVs solidify their position in the list for July this year.