Tata Punch leads PV sales chart in 2024, followed by Hyundai Creta and Maruti Ertiga

“The Tata Punch, as an entry-level micro-SUV, has successfully captured first-time car buyers and small families by offering SUV styling and high ground clearance at an accessible price point, with its 5-star GNCAP safety rating being a significant draw for safety-conscious buyers. Each model's success stems from effectively addressing specific market needs while maintaining strong brand value and resale prospects,” said Ravi Bhatia, president and director of JATO Dynamics India.

SUVs vroom

Industry watchers claim this accomplishment highlights the growing dominance of compact and sub-compact SUVs and MPVs in the country and cements Tata Motors’ position as a top contender in the domestic PV market.

Hyundai Creta SUV was the second highest seller at 1,74,311 units and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV came third at 1,74,035 units during January-November 2024. While Maruti Suzuki Ertiga jumped from ninth to third position, Hyundai Creta moved up from sixth to second, as per findings by  JATO Dynamics India.  Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) claimed that Creta contributed more than 32 percent to midsize SUV sales in the country.

“Despite the intensifying competition, Creta has maintained its undisputed segment leadership, becoming the highest selling midsize SUV in the industry. In November, this model was the highest selling SUV and second highest selling PV in the country,” Hyundai Motor India spokesperson said in response to queries by Moneycontrol.

According to Bhatia, Ertiga, Creta, and Punch dominate their respective segments by serving distinct buyer groups with specific needs.

“The Ertiga attracts large families and fleet operators with its practical seven-seater layout, proven reliability, and economical running costs, especially with its CNG option. The Hyundai Creta has established itself as the go-to choice for urban upper-middle-class families and young professionals who value its premium features like connected car technology and panoramic sunroof, along with multiple powertrain options including both petrol and diesel engines,” Bhatia said.

Wakeup call for Maruti Suzuki?

Industry watchers also reckon that Punch's success marks the end of market leader Maruti Suzuki's long-standing dominance in the PV segment, which was led by Swift, followed by WagonR, Baleno and Brezza last year. For instance, its Swift superhatch, which led the sales charts last year, came seventh this year (January-November) at 1,62,387 units. Similarly, Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR, the second highest seller last year, slipped to the fourth position this year at 1,73,552 units (January-November).

Marut Suzuki's Brezza SUV came one notch down from fourth position last year to fifth at 1,70,824 units in 2024 (January-November). Baleno hatchback, which was the third highest selling model last year, saw its numbers dropping to 1,62,982 units (January-November) and thus coming sixth this year, as per JATO Dynamics India's findings. An emailed query sent to Maruti Suzuki spokesperson remained unanswered until the story was published.

Meanwhile, Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Fronx saw a jump in its numbers at 1,54,169 units (8th), 1,48,075 units (9th) and 1,45,484 units (10th), respectively, during this calendar year (January-November 2024).  As per the findings by JATO Dynamics India, hatchbacks were leading the top three ranks in 2023, but YTD November 2024 sales figures suggest that the hatchback segment has compressed and been taken over by SUVs and MPVs.