Data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show a modest uptick in Year-over-Year (YoY) exports in the passenger vehicle (PV) segment despite a slight slump in domestic sales volumes. 

The category representing passenger vehicles, utility vehicles and vans cumulatively recorded 61,929 units being exported in July 2024 compared to 59,594 units in July 2023. Domestic sales volume, however, stood at 2,96,785 units in 2024 compared to 3,02,727 units a year earlier. 

Nonetheless, the production volumes within the PV segment witnessed a YoY uptick with 3,97,854 units manufactured in July 2024 compared to 3,93,094 units a year ago.

Maruti Suzuki India clinched top place for exports in utility vehicles and van while Hyundai Motor India was the frontrunner in the passenger car segment in July 2024. 

Hyundai Motor India exported 12, 297 units (passenger cars) while Maruti Suzuki India shipped off 13,694 units (utility vehicles) and 651 units (vans), respectively. The latter also cliched the second place in passenger car exports with 9,551 units. 

This trend saw a flip in domestic sales with Maruti Suzuki clinching top spot. It sold 69,245 units (passenger car) during July 2024 compared to 16,037 units of Hyundai Motor India. In the utility vehicle and van category Maruti Suzuki sold 56,302 and 11,916 units compared to 16,037 units of Hyundai Motor India. 

India’s three-wheeler market showcased mixed growth in July 2024, as highlighted by SIAM’s latest report. Overall production rose to 90,505 units, marking a 6.1 percent increase compared to July 2023. Bajaj Auto Ltd. led the segment, with production growing by 18 percent to 56,085 units, driven by robust domestic sales of 37,852 units and steady exports.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. saw a notable shift in its passenger carrier segment, with a production decline to 1,384 units in July 2024 from 3,275 units a year earlier. However, the company’s e-rickshaw segment gained momentum, producing 1,606 units, a 19 percent dip from 2023, but still showing resilience.

In goods carriers, production across manufacturers slightly dipped to 8,721 units, down from 9,654 in July 2023, despite Bajaj Auto’s growth in this subsegment. 

The two-wheeler industry displayed robust growth in July 2024. The sector’s production soared by 21 percent YoY, reaching 19,48,223 units, compared to 16,08,414 units in July 2023. This growth was led by the scooter segment, which surged 41.2 percent to 6,54,748 units. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and TVS Motor Company were the primary drivers, reflecting strong demand across urban and semi-urban markets.

The motorcycle segment also recorded healthy growth, with production increasing by 12.8 percent to 12,49,903 units. Bajaj Auto Ltd and Hero MotoCorp Ltd maintained their leadership positions, contributing significantly to this expansion. TVS Motor Company Ltd further solidified its presence, with gains across scooters, motorcycles, and mopeds. Notably, mopeds saw a 19 percent rise in production to 43,572 units, highlighting their continued relevance in certain markets.

Domestic sales remained strong, with the two-wheeler market clocking 14,41,694 units, up from 12,82,054 units in July 2023. Scooters and motorcycles were the top performers, with domestic sales of 5,53,642 units and 8,50,489 units, respectively. 

On the export front, the sector experienced a 7.8 percent rise, reaching 3,24,908 units. Yamaha Motor India and TVS Motor Company led this growth, showcasing the increasing global appeal of Indian two-wheelers.

Overall, the two-wheeler industry continues to thrive, driven by strong domestic demand and a solid export performance, reinforcing its critical role in India’s automotive landscape.

Commenting on July-2024 performance, SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said, “In July 2024, passenger vehicle segment de-grew by (-)2.5 percent compared to July 2023, posting a sales of about 3.42 lakh units. Three-wheelers posted a growth of 5.1 percent compared to July last year, with sales of 0.59 Lakh units in July 2024, which is close to the peak of 2018-19. Two-wheeler segment also posted a decent growth of 12.5 percent in July 2024 as compared to July 2023, with sales of 14.42 Lakh units”.

Commenting on sales data of July 2024, SIAM President Vinod Aggarwal said, “Though three-wheeler and two-wheeler segments are performing well, there has been some de-growth of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles in July 2024, compared to July 2023. The above average rainfall coupled with upcoming festive season is likely to again propel growth in the short term. In addition, enabling budget announcements which emphasises on overall economic growth with fiscal support for infrastructure and rural sector should augur well for the automobile sector in the medium term.”

Photo: Prateek Karandikar (Wikimedia Commons)

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German luxury automotive brand BMW India has introduced the updated BMW 7 Series range, offering petrol and battery-electric powertrains across the lineup at prices starting at INR 19.5 million (ex-showroom).

The launch includes the BMW i7 M70 xDrive performance model, alongside the local production launch of the electric i7 at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

With local assembly of the i7 in Chennai, India becomes the second country after Germany to produce the electric model locally. The performance-focused i7 M70 xDrive will be imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) with deliveries across the 7 Series portfolio scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Furthermore, the company also introduced actor Ranveer Singh as the Brand Voice for BMW India at the launch.

Pricing for the petrol-powered 740 M Sport and all-electric i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport starts at INR 19.5 million, while the flagship i7 M70 xDrive is positioned at INR 26.5 million (all ex-showroom).

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said: "The new BMW 7 Series is more than our flagship sedan - it is our ultimate statement of modern luxury. It moves the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who are shaping tomorrow. Every detail has been crafted around one idea: those who have reached the pinnacle deserve an experience to match. The new 7 Series sets a benchmark, whether you choose to take the wheel or be driven. It is the new face of the BMW Luxury Class, while offering an early glimpse into technologies that will shape the Neue Klasse era. And with our Power of Choice philosophy, customers can choose from dynamic combustion engines to advanced electric mobility. Because true luxury is not about limiting choices - it is about expanding them. With the new 7, luxury doesn’t end with the drive; it begins there."

"The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the most powerful 7 Series ever created - where M performance meets first-class luxury, without compromise. It brings together exhilarating electric performance and the refinement expected from the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio. This is a car for someone who wants the thrill of taking the wheel and, equally, the luxury of being driven. Few cars can make the driver’s seat and the rear seat equally desirable. The i7 M70 does. It represents our belief that sustainability and performance are not competing choices. The future of luxury can be electric, exhilarating and extraordinary - all at once," added Brar.

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Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models across its authorised dealer network, expanding the company’s multi-powertrain portfolio in the Indian market.

The additions follow their display at Kia Inspiration Day and introduce alternative fuel options to the manufacturer's multi-purpose vehicle segment. The pricing for all three models is set to be announced at a later date.

Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are based on the G1.5 six-speed manual transmission platform and feature a factory-fitted CNG system with a 60-litre tank capacity. Technical modifications include engine calibration for CNG fuel, revised suspension setups, 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. The driver interface incorporates a fuel change switch alongside a 4.2-inch colour TFT display with CNG distance-to-empty logic. Structural changes to the third-row seat-back frame have also been implemented to adjust the recline angle.

The CNG range will include Premium (O) trim for the Carens, while the Carens Clavis will be sold in HTE and HTE (O) trims for retail buyers.

For commercial and business-to-business fleet operations, Kia India has designated the M-Drive trim for the Carens CNG and the HTM trim for the Carens Clavis CNG.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid introduces an electrified powertrain to the upper tier of the range, powered by a G1.6T HEV engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is offered in the Limousine+ trim, which features 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps and a virtual engine sound system. Interior equipment includes an air purifier with air quality index display, seat-back tables with integrated wireless charging, ambient lighting and leatherette door trims.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

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German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

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