Cars24, a leading auto-tech platform, has launched what is claimed to be the country's first exclusive hubs for pre-owned SUVs. These facilities, currently live in Bengaluru and Gurugram, have been designed to cater specifically to the distinct needs and preferences of SUV enthusiasts. 

The company says the demand for feature-rich SUVs has dramatically increased, with market share jumping from 30 percent in FY2019 to 59 percent in H1 FY2024 according to industry reports. This growth is fuelled by a broader range of options at various price points, meeting the ever-evolving needs of modern consumers. As the SUV craze continues, even the pre-owned market is catching up, showing a steady increase since FY2021. With car owners upgrading more frequently, a fresh wave of sought-after SUV models is entering the used car market. 

Cars24 says its exclusive SUV-only hubs are perfectly timed to harness this trend, providing a top-tier selection and access to more than 200 cars at each hub ensuring a premium experience for SUV enthusiasts.

The hubs will allow customers to choose from brands, makes, models that suit their style and power preferences. Some of the most popular in demand models standing at the hubs include Mahindra Scorpio N, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Mahindra Thar, Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kushaq, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos among others.

Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founder & CMO, Cars24 said, “Understanding and adapting to the evolving preferences of our customers is at the heart of what we do. By launching these SUV-only hubs, we are enhancing our ability to meet the specialised needs of SUV lovers and providing them with a platform that understands and appreciates the uniqueness of their choice.” 

The hubs will also provide personalised financing solutions and special exchange offers, along with transparent pricing, to make transitioning to SUV ownership seamless. Customers can also take advantage of instant loan approvals, ensuring a fast and hassle-free purchase process. Each customer receives individualised assistance and comprehensive after-sales support.

Going forward, given the surge in demand for SUVs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, Cars24 plans on expanding the SUV hub experience to more cities in India in the next few months. At present, Cars24 has operations in more than 180 cities in India.

Kia India, a leading premium carmaker has surpassed a new milestone of exporting 100,000 units of CKD vehicles since it began shipment in June 2020 from its Anantapur manufacturing facility.

Interestingly, Kia India is one of the key export hubs for Kia Corporation accounting for 50 percent of the company’s global CKD exports. For CY2024, 38,000 CKD units are expected to be shipped from India to markets such as Uzbekistan, Ecuador, and Vietnam. The company currently exports the Seltos, Sonet and Carens SUVs from India.

Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said: “India is a key market for Kia Corporation, serving not only as a strong sales driver but also as an emerging export hub. This milestone highlights Kia India’s commitment to manufacturing excellence, innovation, and delivering value to global customers. We are proud to see models like the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens perform strongly in international markets. We are also grateful for the government’s export-friendly policies, which have played a crucial role in strengthening India’s position within the global automotive value chain. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our CKD footprint to the Middle East and Africa, to double our export volume by 2030.”

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has surpassed 3 million cumulative exports milestone.

It was in 1986, the company had commenced exports from India, and in September 1987 it shipped 500 vehicles one of the largest shipments in that period to Hungary. In FY2012-13 it crossed 1 million vehicle exports milestone, followed by 2 million in FY2020-21. The 3 millionth landmark vehicle was part of a shipment of 1,053 units that sailed from Gujarat’s Pipavav port yesterday comprising models like Celerio, Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Ciaz, Dzire and S-Presso.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 3 million cumulative exports milestone reflects India’s automobile manufacturing excellence and is a shining example of Brand India on the global stage. We thank the government of India for instituting encouraging policies and enabling trade agreements with some markets augmenting export growth. Aligned with government of India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, Maruti Suzuki is committed to deep localisation and multiplying exports. Today, 40 percent of passenger vehicles exported from India are from Maruti Suzuki making us the number 1 vehicle exporter in the country. Our success in international markets is the outcome of high acceptance of Maruti Suzuki’s global standard vehicles for quality, safety, design, and technology. We thank our global customers and esteemed distributors for their trust in us.”

“Our exports from India have grown by 3 times from 4 years ago. Inspired by this global demand, Maruti Suzuki is determined to diversify and ramp-up vehicle exports to 750,000 units by 2030-31,” added Takeuchi.

For FY2025 (April-October) the company exported 181,444 units, which was 17.4 percent higher YoY. At present, Maruti Suzuki India exports 17 models to around 100 countries, which includes the likes of Latin America, Africa, Middle-East and countries in Asia too. The top export models include the Fronx, Jimny, Baleno, Dzire and S-Presso.

State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber to offer low-cost, tailored financing solutions as well as hassle-free loan disbursement to Uber’s fleet partners.

Both new and current Uber fleet partners will benefit from the partnership, which will enable them to easily grow their businesses and support the continued expansion of the ride-hailing sector in India. Easy loan disbursement will be made possible by the integration, assisting fleets in maintaining peak performance. The partnership guarantees that fleet partners can effectively manage their money and grow their businesses more quickly by utilising SBI's vast financial services network and Uber's technologies.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI, said, “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customised offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has attained a new wholesales milestone for its Innoa HyCross SUV.

Launched in November 2022, the Innova HyCross has crossed 100,000 unit sales milestone in India. The Innova HyCross is powered by the 5^th Generation self-charging strong hybrid electric system and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and an e-drive sequential shift delivering 137 kW (186 PS) of power.

The hybrid system the company claims enables the Innova HyCross to operate 60 percent of the time in electric (EV) mode. The 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a direct shift CVT in select variants, delivers 129 kW (174 PS) of power.

Sabari Manohar, Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to share that the Innova HyCross has achieved milestone of 100,000 units. Heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust and support as we continue to drive unparalleled mobility experiences. The hybrid technology option in the Innova HyCross continues to impress customers with its exceptional performance and remarkable mileage. Beyond efficiency, the HyCross strikes an ideal balance of space and luxury, making it a practical choice tailored to a family’s diverse needs. Its superior handling, unparalleled comfort, and top-notch safety features further amplify its appeal. Combined with Toyota’s trusted service standards, the Innova HyCross delivers a holistic ownership experience that resonates deeply with its growing base of satisfied customers.”