Introduction: SUVs on Indian Roads
India is one of the largest countries with an on-road vehicle presence. Over the last few years, there have been increasing sales of SUVs in the country. But why is that? Why are people preferring SUVs on Indian roads compared to sedans or hatchbacks? Let’s find out.
Cars on Indian Roads
In the past, Indian roads were mostly dominated by Sedans and small cars. The only SUVs you can find on the road were built by Mahindra. The whole segment was more utilitarian than luxurious.
However, all this changed in the last decade. The introduction of compact SUVs by Ford and Hyundai changed the market. Today, many people prefer SUVs as their ideal choice of car on the roads.
The Expansion of SUVs on Indian Roads
Two of the biggest factors in increasing SUV sales are the economy and customer behavior. The rise of middle-class household income means people can now buy big cars. Also, big cars are equivalent to luxury, and that’s the reality of modern consumer behavior.
You can also get easy loans from banks. EMI driving ownership is the new norm of modern society. As a result, people always buy the high-end models of the car segment, which are mostly SUVs.
Why Indians Prefer SUVs
Apart from economic and ownership reasons, people in India have many different reasons for choosing SUVs. These range from road conditions, large families, safety preferences and the versatility of the vehicle.
The others are listed below:
- Bad terrain demands ground clearance.
- Joint families and the need for spacious cabins.
- Higher seating position and solid build.
- SUVs as markers of success and upward mobility.
- City commute + weekend highway + hill station trips.
Indian Brands Lead the Charge
Even though foreign car manufacturers made SUVs famous among Indians, today the companies leading the market are different. Mahindra and Tata are leading the race with their vast range of SUV vehicles.
With the help of government policies and high taxes on foreign vehicles, the local brands are dominating the market. Also, the quality of vehicles is much better compared to the after-sales services.
Global vs. Local Competition
Even if Indian companies are dominating the market, it doesn’t mean the foreign brands are behind. India has one of the fiercest automobile competitions.
Several brands for Japan, South Korea, China and Europe are also competing in the race. This will only improve the quality of the vehicle and future services for the customer.
The SUV Effect on the Indian Auto Industry
The rise in sales of one car segment means others are losing their identity. Sedans and hatchbacks are still available in the market, but their numbers are going down annually. This shift in manufacturing priorities might reduce the number of models in the sedan segment in the country.
Electric SUVs
The next step for SUVs is to shift towards an electric framework. Companies are already beginning to launch their electric vehicles. However, they are still not accepted by the majority of the nation for obvious reasons.
However, the government pushes a huge amount of subsidies to make the sale of electric vehicles. Still, the customer’s behaviour prefers fuel rather than electricity.
The Darker Side of the SUV Surge
Not everything is positive about the SUV surge. First of all, some famous car models are known for showcasing hooliganism patterns on roads.
Some drivers believe that they have the right to do anything in bigger cars. This is not the fault of the car, but it is still a serious issue on the national highways.
Other disadvantages of big cars on Indian roads:
- Urban congestion.
- Parking woes.
- Higher fuel consumption.
- Emissions concerns.
- Pedestrian safety risks.
The Future of SUVs on Indian Roads
The future is uncertain, but the current trajectory suggests more sales of compact SUVs on Indian roads. The premium sub-segments of automobiles are offering better features and safety to the buyers.
As a result, many people are opting for SUVs. However, all this can change depending on the trends and designs of other lines of car segments.
Final Thoughts on SUVs on Indian Roads
The rise of SUVs in India has been significant, shifting from a market dominated by sedans and small cars to a preference for SUVs. The demand for SUVs is driven by their suitability for bad terrain and their status as symbols of success.
Indian brands like Mahindra and Tata lead the market, although global competitors remain active. This trend has led to a decline in the sales of sedans and hatchbacks, with a future focus on electric SUVs. Overall, the SUV surge reflects changing consumer preferences in the Indian automotive landscape.