India is the leading automobile market in the world. Almost every household in the country contributes to the growth of the sector. Among Indians, SUVs are apparently the most prevalent ones. Its flattering modalities have contributed to its burgeoning growth.
The American automakers are witnessing a prevalence of trucks among US consumers. Despite all the growth of electric vehicles around the world, these full-sized pickup trucks are incessantly rising in sales in the American automotive market.
In US, almost everyone carries a truck, due to its immensely diversified features. From college-going individuals to office goers or , trucks are an integral part of Americans. On the other hand, the same phenomenon can be felt for Indians too, but with SUVs. Just as Americans, Indians too have their own popular phenomenon of SUVs, to be found in almost every household.
SUV: Leader in automobile segment
The popularity of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) has led its roots in 36 model launches in just five years. The craze for SUVs in India is so immense that it even led to months of waiting for the customers to receive their dream car. Its incessant demand in the Indian domain led its entry-level segment to become the largest in the domestic passenger vehicle. This contributed to its overtaking the market of hatchbacks, which has dominated the market since 2011.
It is pertinent to note that the SUV segment has surged from a mere 19 percent to 40 percent in the industry in 2021-22. Its high stance and road visibility feature attracted the customers most, amidst a wide variety of automobile options available in the market.
Emphasizing the market rivalry among the firms belonging to the SUV segment, it can be evident that they are facing tough competition in reclaiming their hegemonies. However, in July 2021, around 25,000 Maruti models were sold in the SUV segment across India. On the other hand, Hyundai sold nearly 24,000 units, securing the second position after Maruti.
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SUVs are not a new fantasy
The rapidly surging trend of SUVs is not a recent phenomenon, rather it can be dated back to around the mid-90s. Jeep Cherokee, introduced in 1984, is considered to be the first SUV in the modern style. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the popularity of SUVs greatly increased, although often at the expense of large sedans and station wagons.
Since the beginning, SUVs are known for their enlarged body and tall looks, which results in their distinct road presence. Its models like Scorpio and Fortuner became an imperative part for families comprising 7 to 8 individuals.
Considering its immensely alluring features, it won’t be wrong to consider SUVs as a comforter choice for many, given their sufficient legroom space. It provides a good ground clearance that allows the driver to tackle bad roads with ease. Additionally, the affordable pricing of compact SUVs came as a cherry on top.
Reasons for more popularity
Whether it’s speed breakers, water-logged roads, tough terrains, or muddy roads, SUVs almost always provide an edge to escape from difficult circumstances. Given its high seating position, allowing the driver to have a commanding view of the road, provides an additional advantage for the driver to detect upcoming obstacles on the road. Additionally, SUVs provide more better grip during times of smooth road construction.
Considering the growing economic capacity of Indians, it can be evident that people are opting for SUVs. With the burgeoning spending capabilities, people are wanting comfort with all updated features and designs to satisfy their wants. Thus, SUVs- the apparent comforter, can be seen in more ratios.
With the passage of time, SUVs are becoming a sense of achievement for many, considering the mentality of most Indians to get allured with looks. SUVs like Scorpio, Bolero, Thar, and many more, get to distinguish itself with its royal appearance, leading to more SUVs grabbing the parking lot of almost every household.
In addition, it is also pertinent to note that the nationwide lockdown surged the sales, even more, leading the market share to 48.5 percent in May 2021. The COVID pandemic made people realize that in the wake of saving more and more money for the future, they end up losing their lives due to unprecedented circumstances like the COVID outbreak. In its realization, people started spending their money on their desires, such as the procurement of SUVs.
The expansion of SUVs
The Indian customers are rapidly opting for SUV models, taking into consideration its vast swathe of features, serving the needs of millions.
In the year 2020, a total of 707,000 units were sold, as per the industry estimates. While, in 2021, it stood at nearly half a million in just the first five months. This has raised the share of SUVs in India’s passenger vehicle sales from 29 percent to 35 percent.
From serving politicians to fulfilling the needs of the common masses, SUVs have always ruled the choice of most Indians. Within no time, it constructed a trend of evading small cars and hatchbacks from the people’s wishlist, leading it to become an integral desire of accomplishment.