Hyundai Wants To Get Back Number 2 Spot In India: Here's The Plan
Earlier this year, Hyundai Motor India revealed that it managed to record its highest-ever monthly sales of 73,137 units. However, despite the strong sales push, it has slipped to number fourth on the list of top automakers in India. The company this month has launched two new products, namely the Verna facelift and Exter facelift, and it is planning to launch a lot more in the country. So, without any delay, here are the details of how Hyundai plans to get back the number 2 spot in the top-selling carmakers list in India.
Last month in February, once again Hyundai Motor India stood at the fourth spot on the list of the top-selling automakers. The first position was held by Maruti Suzuki with 1,61,000 units; it was then followed by Tata Motors, which stood at second position with 62,329 units. The third spot was taken by Mahindra Automotive, which sold 60,018 units.
Coming to the sales performance of Hyundai, it sold 52,407 units in February. When compared to the sales of last year's February (47,727 units), it is up by 9.8 percent. However, on a Month-on-Month basis, the sales have fallen by 11.3 percent, as in January the sales were 59,107 units. As a result of these figures, the company is now aiming to regain the second position, which it held for a long time in India.
It has been reported that Hyundai India, in order to regain its lost position as the second-largest automaker in India, is planning to invest around Rs 45,000 crore. This investment will be made by 2030, and the core pillars of its growth will be aggressive product expansion, electrification including EVs and hybrids, and lastly, offering SUVs in its portfolio. It has announced that 2026 will be the starting point of this offensive strategy.
As part of the product lineup update and expansion, this month Hyundai has already launched two cars. The first is the Verna facelift and the other is the Exter facelift.
This new Hyundai Verna facelift has been launched with a starting price tag of Rs 10.98 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 18.25 lakh. As part of the updates, it has been given a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, new LED headlights, bumpers, 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and two new colors, namely Classy Blue and Titan Grey Matte.
The interior of the new Verna has also been updated, and it now gets a new D-cut steering with a 4-dot logo, dual 10.25-inch screens, leatherette upholstery, a BOSE premium audio system, front ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and many others. Powertrain options of 1.5-litre NA and 1.5-litre turbo remain the same.
Apart from the Verna, Hyundai has also launched the facelifted iteration of the Exter in India. It starts at Rs 5.79 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.42 lakh. New updates include a new front bumper, new grille, new 15-inch alloy wheels, a wing-type rear spoiler, and new colors including Golden Bronze and Titanium Black Matte.
On the inside, it now gets a Navy Blue and Grey theme, 3D carbon-pattern on the dashboard, a D-cut steering wheel, metal pedals, an electric sunroof, a digital instrument gauge cluster, a dashcam, and many others. Powertrain options of a 1.2-litre petrol and CNG have been retained.
The most highly anticipated upcoming model from Hyundai is the next-generation Creta. This SUV will be based on the new K3 platform and will boast larger dimensions, a new design language, premium interiors, and a ton of more features. Although the current generation Creta's powertrains will be retained, there are reports that the new generation Creta will be getting a new strong hybrid petrol powertrain, which will increase its popularity even more.
As per the reports, Hyundai is currently developing a new mid-size SUV, which will fit between the Hyundai Creta and the Venue in India. This model has been spotted testing in India, and it will be targeting the overflow buyers from the sub-4m SUV segment.
The second generation of the internationally sold Hyundai Bayon will be making its debut in India very soon. In India, it will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine making 160 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. As for the gearbox, it is expected to get a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT. Lower variants could get the 1.0-litre turbo petrol from the Hyundai i20 N-Line.
To capture a bigger share of the EV market, Hyundai India will be launching a sub-compact EV SUV, which will be based on the Inster EV that is sold internationally. This SUV will be based on the E-GMP platform, and it is expected to be offered with 42 kWh (300 km) and 49 kWh (355 km) range. It will rival the Tata Punch.ev and the Citroen eC3.
Hyundai is also aiming to rival the Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Tata Safari, and hence it will be launching a new 3-row SUV in India. This SUV will sit in place of the 5-seater Tucson. This SUV will be aimed at family buyers and will boast a strong presence.