The Hyundai Creta facelift has achieved a remarkable milestone, selling over 1 lakh units within just six months since its launch in January. Averaging over 15,000 units per month, the Creta reached peak sales of 16,458 units in March, with 16,293 units sold last month. Hyundai reports a daily average of over 550 units.
Sales Milestones and Market Position
- The average waiting period for a Creta is approximately 10 weeks.
- Hyundai announced the 10-lakh sales milestone for Creta in February.
- The rival Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara took a year to sell 1 lakh units.
In a highly competitive segment with formidable rivals such as the Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder, the Creta’s rapid sales growth is commendable. For comparison, the Maruti Grand Vitara, trailing the Creta in sales, took a year to reach the 1 lakh milestone. Meanwhile, the Creta’s sibling, the Kia Seltos, averages about 6,500 units monthly.
Hyundai has sold over 11 lakh Cretas in India. The 10-lakh milestone was announced in February, with each of the last three 1-lakh milestones achieved in about eight months, indicating the facelift has boosted sales.
Market Trends and Segment Performance
SUVs from a lower segment, such as the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Fronx, have also crossed the 1 lakh sales milestone but took 12 and 10 months, respectively. This suggests a market shift towards more expensive and premium models. Despite being one of the costlier SUVs in its segment, the Creta continues to hold its value and appeal.
Reasons Behind Creta’s Success
- Understanding the Indian Audience: Hyundai has equipped the Creta with features highly valued by Indian buyers, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, large digital screens, and a 360-degree camera. The inclusion of an ADAS suite adds further appeal.
- Diesel Variants: The Creta offers diesel variants, which still account for a significant portion of sales in the midsize SUV segment. With most manufacturers exiting this space, the Creta and its sibling, the Seltos, dominate the diesel market. A variety of petrol engines and gearbox options further enhance its appeal. Although the sportier Creta N Line hasn’t driven high volumes, it contributes to the brand’s image.
Challenges
The high demand for the Creta has resulted in a significant order backlog, with approximately 33,000 pending orders reported last month. The average waiting period is currently around 10 weeks.
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