Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai, and Other Automakers Are Gearing Up To Launch New Seven-Seater Vehicles in Response to the Growing Demand For Utility Vehicles

In the first four months of the 2024-25 financial year, utility vehicles such as SUVs and MPVs made up about 63% of all passenger vehicle sales in India.

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Toyota are planning to launch over a dozen seven-seater utility vehicles next year, according to the Economic Times. This move is aimed at taking advantage of the increasing demand for larger passenger vehicles, as more people are traveling with their families following the pandemic.

Which are the models expected to be launched?

The facelifted version of Hyundai’s Alcazar is expected to be the first to launch in early September. This will be followed by the release of the seven-seater versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder, which are scheduled for 2025.

Kia is also expected to introduce a seven-seater electric vehicle (EV) based on the Carens, according to the report. Other upcoming seven-seater models include updated versions of the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Kia Carnival.

How much is the demand for SUVs and premium vehicles in India?

Around 63% of all passenger vehicles sold in India during the first four months of the financial year 2024-25 were larger utility vehicles such as SUVs and MPVs, which is a 50% increase from the same quarter of the previous year, according to the report.

Additionally, vehicles priced above Rs. 10 lakh made up 47% of the total passenger vehicle sales in India during the financial year 2023-24. This marks a 22% increase compared to the 2020-21 period, according to the report.