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  • SIAM Motor Vehicles Data – India’s Auto Market Gains Momentum: Passenger Vehicle Sales Hit Record High in February 2025

    February 2025 auto sales set new benchmarks, with SUVs growing by 10.6%, three-wheelers up 4.7%, and two-wheelers declining by 9%.

    The Indian auto industry witnessed a record-breaking performance in February 2025, driven by the continued demand for SUVs and three-wheelers, even as the two-wheeler segment declined. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the month saw a 1.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase in passenger vehicle sales, setting a new benchmark for February.
    Key Highlights from SIAM’s February 2025 Auto Report
    Two-Wheelers: 13,84,605 units (-9.0% YoY), reflecting sluggish demand amid economic pressures and changing mobility trends.

    • Passenger Vehicle Sales: 3,77,689 units (+1.9% YoY), marking the highest-ever February sales recorded.
    • SUV & Utility Vehicles: 2,45,508 units (+10.6% YoY), highlighting the growing consumer shift towards bigger vehicles.
    • Three-Wheelers: 57,788 units (+4.7% YoY), continuing their upward trend, supported by urban and commercial demand.

    SUV Boom Continues to Dominate Market Trends
    The SUV segment remains the strongest growth driver in India’s auto industry. With a 10.6% increase in sales, utility vehicles accounted for over 60% of total passenger vehicle sales in February. Companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, and Maruti Suzuki saw a surge in SUV demand, fueled by new model launches and consumer preference for spacious, feature-rich vehicles.
    According to SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon, the industry’s performance was largely driven by utility vehicles, as consumers increasingly favor SUVs over sedans and hatchbacks. “The demand for SUVs has reshaped the Indian automobile market, with companies ramping up production to meet the surge,” he said.

    Three-Wheelers Maintain Positive Growth Amidst Rising Urban Demand
    The three-wheeler market recorded a 4.7% growth, with passenger carriers leading the segment. The demand for urban shared mobility solutions, including auto-rickshaws and electric three-wheelers, contributed to this consistent rise. Bajaj Auto, Piaggio Vehicles, and TVS Motor Company remained top players in this category, with strong domestic sales and exports.
    Industry analysts attribute this growth to rising fuel prices and government incentives for electric three-wheelers, particularly in urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

    Two-Wheelers Face Decline, Market Sentiment Remains Weak
    While passenger vehicles and three-wheelers saw gains, the two-wheeler segment declined by 9% YoY, with sales falling to 13,84,605 units.
    The decline was primarily due to:

    • Weaker rural demand, where motorcycles are traditionally popular.
    • Economic factors, including fuel price hikes and high ownership costs.
    • Shifting consumer preferences towards electric two-wheelers, though adoption remains slow.

    Major brands like Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Bajaj Auto saw fluctuations in demand, though scooters showed resilience, particularly in urban markets.

    Export Markets Continue Strong Performance
    India’s vehicle exports remained a key highlight, especially for two-wheelers, which saw a 19.3% YoY increase, driven by demand from Latin America and Africa.

    • Passenger Vehicle Exports: 56,638 units (+4.8% YoY)
    • Three-Wheeler Exports: 26,024 units (+0.7% YoY)
    • Two-Wheeler Exports: 3,91,408 units (+19.3% YoY)

    This highlights India’s growing dominance in the global automotive supply chain, particularly in the affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle segment.

    Market Outlook: What’s Next for the Auto Industry?
    Despite mixed sectoral performance, SIAM remains optimistic about continued growth in the coming months. The upcoming festive season, including Holi and Ugadi, is expected to provide a boost to auto sales in March, with further momentum expected in Q1 FY 2025-26.
    Additionally, EV adoption in the passenger and three-wheeler categories is accelerating, as manufacturers invest in charging infrastructure and battery technology. The government’s push for electric mobility through FAME II subsidies and tax incentives is expected to further impact sales trends in the near future.

    Conclusion: A Market in Transition
    The February 2025 auto sales report underscores the ongoing transition in India’s automotive landscape. While SUVs and three-wheelers continue their growth trajectory, challenges remain in the two-wheeler segment, reflecting a shifting consumer mindset. With strong domestic demand, growing exports, and government support for green mobility, the industry is set for an exciting phase of transformation.
    For a detailed breakdown of the SIAM February 2025 report, visit the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
    At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • Indian SUV Buyers Demand More Than Power: Kia Syros’ Smart Tech, Safety, and Luxury Features Drive 20,000+ Bookings

    With 67% of buyers choosing petrol variants, 18% opting for ADAS-equipped trims, Glacier White Pearl leading color preferences, and the Blue Colt edition gaining strong traction, Kia Syros is setting new benchmarks in the sub-₹17 lakh SUV segment.

    The increasing preference for premium trims is evident in the booking trends, with 46% of buyers opting for the top-end HTX and above variants. One of the biggest highlights is the 18% demand for the ADAS-equipped HTX+(O) trim, showcasing a growing awareness of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in India. The automatic transmission (AT) models account for 38% of total bookings, further reinforcing the shift toward effortless driving experiences and convenience-focused vehicle choices.
    Fuel preference trends indicate that Indian SUV buyers are increasingly leaning toward petrol-powered vehicles, which make up 67% of total Syros bookings, while diesel variants account for 33%. This shift aligns with the Indian government’s push for cleaner fuels under Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms, as well as a consumer-driven preference for refined, low-maintenance engines suited for city driving.
    When it comes to aesthetics, the Glacier White Pearl color option emerged as the most popular, securing 32% of bookings. Aurora Black Pearl follows at 26%, while Frost Blue accounts for 20%, indicating a clear demand for sleek, premium shades that complement the SUV’s bold design.

    Beyond styling and powertrain choices, what sets the Syros apart is its technology-driven innovation, particularly its first-in-segment Over-the-Air (OTA) update system. This feature, typically found in luxury vehicles, allows remote updates to 16 vehicle controllers, ensuring seamless software upgrades without a dealership visit. The Syros also introduces AI-powered vehicle diagnostics via the Kia Connect 2.0 system, which provides real-time health reports, predictive maintenance alerts, and remote access to critical vehicle functions.
    The Kia Advanced Total Care (KATC) system further enhances the ownership experience by automatically notifying users of service schedules, tire wear levels, and necessary replacements. Another standout feature, Kia Connect Diagnosis (KCD), enables remote vehicle assessment, allowing customers to monitor their car’s condition anytime, anywhere.

    Kia has also placed a strong emphasis on safety, making it a key differentiator in the segment. The Syros’ Hi-Standard Safety package offers Level-2 ADAS, providing features such as Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance. Additionally, the 360-degree camera system, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert ensure greater visibility and accident prevention. As India strengthens its vehicle safety standards under Bharat NCAP, the Syros stands ahead of many competitors by offering six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a high-strength steel body as standard features.
    Comfort and practicality have also played a crucial role in the Syros’ market success. The 76.2 cm (30-inch) Trinity Panoramic Display integrates the digital instrument cluster with the infotainment system, creating a futuristic cockpit experience. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and a lounge-like cabin atmosphere add to its appeal, making it one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its class.

    Rear-seat passengers are also well-catered to, with first-in-segment reclining and sliding rear seats, ventilated rear seating, and flexible boot space adjustments, ensuring enhanced comfort and adaptability for urban and long-distance drives.
    Kia India has further enhanced the Syros’ value proposition through innovative ownership programs. The My Convenience Secure Add-On provides coverage for select wear-and-tear parts, reducing long-term maintenance costs. The My Convenience Plus plan combines extended warranty, routine servicing, and roadside assistance, ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience. Kia also offers the Scratch Care Program, which allows for one free scratch repair within the first 12 months of ownership, along with an extended warranty option of up to six years.
    The Kia Syros is positioned in a highly competitive segment, going head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Mahindra XUV300. However, with its ADAS technology, OTA updates, digital-first cockpit, and premium cabin experience, the Syros outperforms many of its rivals in key aspects like connectivity, safety, and driving convenience.

    Priced between ₹8.99 lakh and ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom), with ADAS-equipped variants available at an additional ₹80,000, the Syros delivers luxury features at a competitive price point, reinforcing Kia’s positioning as a mass-premium brand in India.
    With 20,000+ bookings already secured, the Kia Syros is not just another SUV launch, it represents a shift in Indian automotive trends toward high-tech, connected, and luxury-focused vehicles. The growing preference for ADAS-equipped trims, AI-powered diagnostics, and OTA updates indicates that buyers are no longer looking for just a stylish, powerful SUV, but a future-ready, intelligent driving experience.
    As Kia expands its production capacity and rolls out new ownership benefits, the Syros is set to become a defining model in the Indian sub-compact SUV segment. The response so far indicates that the Indian auto market is evolving beyond traditional expectations, and with its blend of innovation, luxury, and practicality, the Kia Syros is leading this transformation.
    At Prittle Prattle News, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.