Maruti Suzuki’s 40-Year Reign as India's Top Selling Car Brand Ends: This Indian Player Surpasses in 2024
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Since 1985, Maruti Suzuki had held the title of India's best-selling car brand. However, in 2024 Tata has surpassed Maruti Suzuki to claim the top spot, ending a remarkable 40-year reign. This year, Tata’s Punch, a sub-compact SUV became the best-selling car in India with 2,02,000 units sold, outpacing popular models like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Ertiga both of which sold around 1,90,000 units.
Notably, three out of the top five best-selling cars in India in 2024 were SUVs, highlighting a clear shift in consumer preference toward larger vehicles. The Tata Punch, introduced in 2021 made an impressive debut by selling 10,000 units in its first month and quickly climbed the ranks to become the 10th best-selling car in 2022. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Tata, who has now overtaken Maruti Suzuki after four decades of dominance.
The Punch stands out for its stylish design and practical features. Equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, it offers enough power for both city and highway driving with the option of a manual or automatic transmission. Its modern appearance, high ground clearance and easy handling around town make it a popular choice for drivers seeking a compact yet functional SUV. In other developments, Honda is set to launch a new version of its Elevate SUV in India called the Honda Elevate Black Edition. The launch, scheduled for January 7 will feature two variants: The Elevate Black Edition and The Elevate Signature Black Edition.