2023 was not a big year for car launches in India. Although many vehicles such as those from Tata Motors got comprehensive facelifts, only a few new ones were floated such as the Hyundai Exter, Verna and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. In contrast, 2024 will see a slew of launches, many of them front-loaded at the start of the year. Here we take a look at the ones that will make headlines.
A ‘big’ small car
Sales of hatchbacks are on the decline. But in early 2024 Maruti Suzuki will take the wraps off the fourth generation of the Swift that helped them retain the top spot among Indian carmakers in 2023. It will also mark the introduction of the next generation engine family from the carmaker—the ‘Z’ series, which promises even more fuel economy. However, don’t buy into the hype. It is very unlikely that Maruti Suzuki will bring the hybrid option with the new Swift. The Dzire will also have a fourth-generation avatar.
Bigger and better
Mahindra’s sales skyrocketed in 2023 as demand for the Scorpio N and XUV700 kept the production line in Chakan, Maharashtra humming. 2024 will see the introduction of the much-awaited five-door variant of the Thar. The new-generation Scorpio Pik Up is being made in India for export next year, it could also be made available in the domestic market. XUV300’s facelift is also expected next year.
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Tata gets curvier
In 2023, Tata Motors consolidated its position as India’s third-largest carmaker and the leader in the electric car space. However, there were no ‘new’ launches barring major design facelifts for Nexon, Harrier, and Safari. It did give us an idea of what to expect in 2024 with the new Tata Curvv—a sportier-looking SUV that sits between the Nexon and the Harrier. This car will have the latest technology and will come in both internal combustion and electric versions. The electric versions of the Punch and Harrier is expected to be launched in the first half of 2024.
Hyundai and Kia go big
Kia will kickstart changes this year itself with the mid-lifecycle refresh of the Kia Sonet. The second generation of the Kia Carnival—an extremely popular van in Seoul-based car company’s home market—will be launched in India next year. Better still, 2024 will also see the carmaker bring in the EV9, an electric van to the country. As for Hyundai, they will kick off the year with a model change for their bestseller, Creta. While a couple of other makeovers are likely throughout the year, with production already at its maximum, there might be no major new products from India’s second-largest carmaker.
Skoda & Volkswagen go electric
While it is likely that both Skoda and Volkswagen will introduce their sub-4 meter SUVs in 2024, both brands will almost certainly debut the first vehicles in their electric portfolio. The Skoda Enyaq and the Volkswagen ID.4 will hit Indian shores. As for whether they will be assembled in India or imported from Europe, that remains to be seen and could well depend on incentives given to electric vehicle manufacturers, especially as CEO of Tesla Motors Elon Musk makes his way to India.
Tesla debut
Is 2024 the year Tesla finally starts selling cars in India after a couple of failed attempts in the past? The government is eager to welcome Musk’s company. It might initially start with limited imports, particularly of its smaller SUV, the Model Y.
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The German luxury
The premium sedan segment—Audi A6, BMW 5 series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class—will see all three cars transition to the next generation. We know that BMW will bring an electric version of the 5-series, the i5, along with a long-wheelbase edition. Mercedes-Benz will continue with the trend of a long-wheelbase variant as well, and who knows, Audi could also follow. Prices will surely increase.
From China to India
After the government approved the investment from Sajjan Jindal’s JSW Group into MG Motors India, the Indian arm of China’s leading carmaker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), more MG-branded cars, such as the eHS, might be introduced in India. Additionally, an investment into Ford’s mothballed Chennai plant could also be on the cards.
Electrified offerings
Nissan India has clarified its intent to launch at least a couple of new imported cars, such as the next-generation X-Trail in 2024. Simultaneously, Citroen India has announced the launch of the third vehicle of its C-Cubed platform in the Indian market next year, alongside an electric version of the C3 Aircross.
@kushanmitra is an automotive journalist based in New Delhi. Views are personal.