India, April 25 -- The SUV segment has emerged as a clear favorite among Indian consumers, witnessing a steady rise in popularity over the years. Recent data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reveals that SUVs accounted for approximately 51 per cent of total passenger vehicle sales in India during the fiscal year 2023-24. This trend is mirrored in the pre-owned car market, where SUVs experienced a notable year-on-year growth of 40 per cent in the same period.

One of the most intriguing developments within the SUV segment is the surge in sales of large utility vehicles, including SUVs and MPVs, which meet the government's criteria for 'real SUVs'. In FY24, sales of these vehicles grew by 27 per cent, outpacing the...