India’s automotive behemoth, Maruti Suzuki, has showcased its resilience and market dominance by reporting a total of 1,81,531 units sold in November 2024. This figure marks a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 10.39% from the previous year’s 1,64,439 units, highlighting Maruti’s ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics, particularly the rising demand for premium utility vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki’s performance for the month of November and the fiscal year to date (YTD) from April to November 2024, shows a company in robust health. The total sales, including both domestic and export figures, reached 1,81,531 units, reflecting strong market presence both in India and internationally. The YTD sales have climbed to 14,51,383 units, marking a steady increase of 2.66% from the last year’s 14,13,741 units.
In the Mini segment, models like Alto and S-Presso, traditionally the core of Maruti’s sales, saw a decline. This November, 9,750 units were sold, down from last year’s 9,959 units, with a more significant YTD drop to 82,224 units from 97,077 units, suggesting a consumer shift away from the smallest cars.
The Compact segment, comprising models like Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR, also experienced a slight downturn with 61,373 units sold this year against 64,679 units last year. This indicates that even the compact car market is feeling the pressure from the burgeoning SUV and utility vehicle market.
However, it’s in the Utility Vehicles segment where Maruti is witnessing substantial growth. Sales in this category, including models like Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, and XL6, surged to 59,003 units from last year’s 49,016 units. For the fiscal year, this segment has already sold 4,73,312 units, up from 4,14,631 units, reflecting a strong trend towards SUVs and MPVs.
The Vans segment, dominated by the Eeco, continues to perform steadily with 10,589 units sold this month, an increase from 10,226 units last year. Additionally, Maruti’s strategic collaborations, particularly with Toyota, have seen sales to other OEMs double, from 4,822 units to 8,660 units, showcasing the success of their partnership.
In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) category, Maruti’s Super Carry saw sales rise to 2,926 units from 2,509 units, indicating growth in the commercial vehicle segment.
Maruti’s export figures have also been encouraging, with 28,633 units exported this November, up from 22,950 units last year. The total exports YTD stand at 2,10,077 units, a notable increase from 1,77,443 units, signaling Maruti’s growing acceptance in international markets.
Maruti Suzuki’s sales figures for November 2024 reveal a company in transition, adeptly navigating from its traditional stronghold in small cars towards the lucrative demand for premium utility vehicles. This strategic shift not only mirrors changing consumer preferences but also underscores Maruti’s capability to maintain its market leadership. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Maruti’s pivot towards more profitable segments while retaining its core market will be pivotal for its sustained growth and market position, both within India and on the global stage.