Mahindra & Mahindra continues to dominate India’s SUV market, reporting a significant 24% surge in SUV sales for September 2024. The automotive giant sold 51,062 SUVs during the month, compared to 41,656 units in September 2023, highlighting robust consumer demand across its product lineup. This growth is a part of the company’s broader success, with total vehicle sales—including commercial and passenger categories—rising 16% year-on-year to reach 75,812 units in September.
The surge in Mahindra’s SUV sales is primarily driven by high demand for popular models such as the XUV700, Scorpio N, and Bolero, which have consistently been key contributors to the brand’s domestic market performance. According to industry experts, the company's focus on enhancing features and technology in these models, combined with competitive pricing, has helped bolster its standing in an increasingly competitive market. The Scorpio N, in particular, continues to enjoy considerable traction, having maintained its appeal with its blend of rugged performance and advanced technology.
Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra's Automotive Division, attributed this strong sales growth to the company's commitment to delivering premium SUVs that cater to a broad spectrum of customers. He noted that the company’s flagship models, particularly those in the mid-range and premium segments, have played a pivotal role in driving the company’s year-on-year growth. Mahindra’s portfolio is strategically positioned to capitalize on the ongoing consumer shift towards larger, feature-packed vehicles, which continues to shape India's evolving automotive market.
This 24% increase in SUV sales also highlights the strength of Mahindra's brand appeal amid growing competition from other domestic and international automakers. The Indian market has seen a wave of new entrants and product launches in the SUV segment, particularly as consumer preferences continue to shift away from sedans and smaller cars in favor of larger vehicles with enhanced space and off-road capabilities.
Mahindra’s rise in sales is reflective of the overall positive momentum in India’s automotive sector. The company’s total passenger vehicle sales, which include SUVs, grew by 16% compared to the same period last year. It is worth noting that this growth has been largely concentrated in the domestic market, where demand for SUVs continues to grow, fueled by improving economic conditions and consumer confidence.
Mahindra's September performance also comes on the heels of its strong August 2024 results, where the company reported a 16% growth in SUV sales, with 43,277 units sold. As competition heats up, Mahindra’s focus remains on delivering innovation through its SUV lineup. The launch of the Thar ROXX SUV has also been a major highlight for the brand, further positioning it to capture market share in the premium SUV segment.
Looking ahead, Mahindra aims to sustain this growth trajectory by expanding its product range, with a particular focus on electric vehicles (EVs). The company has already laid out plans to launch new electric variants of its popular models, seeking to gain an edge as the Indian government pushes for faster adoption of EVs. Mahindra's existing electric vehicles, such as the eVerito, have performed well in the commercial space, but the company is looking to ramp up its presence in the personal EV market with the upcoming XUV400 electric SUV.