Hyundai Motor India reported its highest-ever contribution of CNG vehicles to overall sales, reaching 14.9% in October 2024. This milestone highlights the growing demand for CNG-powered vehicles and the strength of Hyundai’s portfolio, particularly in the entry-level segment.
The recent introduction of Hyundai’s dual CNG cylinder setup, branded as Hy-CNG Duo, in models like the Grand i10 Nios and Exter has been a significant driver of this growth. These vehicles have seen a surge in demand due to improved boot space and enhanced fuel efficiency, catering to customer preferences.
“We prioritize customer feedback in our innovation process. The Hy-CNG Duo technology reflects our commitment to offering spacious, fuel-efficient, and safe vehicles. This has been instrumental in achieving our highest-ever CNG penetration of 14.9% in October,” said Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India.
In addition to the Grand i10 Nios and Exter, Hyundai’s CNG lineup includes the Aura sedan, which has also performed strongly. From April to October 2024, CNG vehicles contributed 12.8% to the company’s sales. Cities such as Pune, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad emerged as key markets for Hyundai’s CNG models.
During the 2023-24 financial year, CNG vehicles accounted for 11.4% of Hyundai’s total sales. This trend is gaining traction in rural markets, where CNG sales contribute 12%, and in urban areas, where the figure stands at 10.7%.
Among individual models, CNG variants comprised 17.4% of the Grand i10 Nios’ sales, 39.7% of Exter’s sales, and an impressive 90.6% for the Aura in October 2024. Garg noted that the expansion of CNG refueling infrastructure, currently at over 7,000 stations nationwide, will further accelerate the adoption of CNG vehicles. India aims to increase this number to 17,500 by 2030.
Competitive Landscape: Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors
Maruti Suzuki dominates the CNG vehicle market with a 72% share, driven by its extensive portfolio of 12 CNG models, which account for approximately 28% of its total sales. The company aims to sell 600,000 CNG vehicles in 2024.
Meanwhile, Tata Motors is also expanding its footprint in the segment, with CNG models comprising 21% of its sales in the first half of the fiscal year, up from 16% in the same period last year.
As the network of CNG stations continues to grow, Hyundai’s focus on innovation and customer needs positions it well to further strengthen its presence in the competitive CNG segment.