Hatchbacks continue to command over 50 per cent market share

The ever-popular hatchback segment accounted for 52 per cent of the sales of cars in March. In typical fashion, Maruti Suzuki sold the most number of cars in March with the top three hatchbacks also being their offerings. The Alto was number one with 22,101 units followed by the Maruti WagonR of which 14,577 units were sold. Running in third was the Maruti Swift with sales of 14,524 units. 

Sedans were the second highest selling body type, accounting for 21 per cent in March. The Maruti Dzire retained its number one spot after selling 17,796 cars with the Honda City being a distant second with sales of 5,662 units. The Maruti Ciaz saw an increase in sales as 5,480 units were sold, making it the third highest selling sedan.

A growing segment in India, SUVs only accounted for 14 per cent of sales last month. The Hyundai Creta led the charge with 8,163 units followed by the newly-launched Maruti Vitara Brezza with sales of 5,563 units. The Ford EcoSport, which was supposed to be the worst hit following Brezza’s introduction, did well, selling 4,456 units. It was the third best selling SUV in March.

MUVs or Multi Utility Vehicles made up 13 per cent of the sales pie in March. The most popular MUV was the Maruti Omni with sales figures of 7,245 last month. The Mahindra Bolero saw its sales dip by over 40 per cent year on year with sales of 6,211 units in March. But, it was still the second highest selling MUV in the month. The Maruti Eeco with sales of 5,651 units was at number three.

While new models dominated sales in every other category, it’s the old guard that’s still ruling the roost in the MUV sector. Newer models like the Honda Mobilio and the Renault Lodgy in the meantime continue to struggle with both pricing and perception issues.