The utility vehicle segment comprising of SUVs and MPVs is the next segment after the small car one, where there is enough potential to catapult a manufacturer into the league of top sellers. It is pretty evident from the success of cars like Mahindra Xylo, Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova that one who steps into this very segment with a good product, the firm is destined to enjoy enormous profits.
As per the latest sales number, Maruti Suzuki, with its much successful Ertiga, has pushed Tata Motors from the third top utility vehicle seller spot and is now in the list of top three utility vehicle sellers. Mahindra & Mahindra is still on the top spot and the credit is to be given to its much popular Mahindra Xylo MPV and the recent success Mahindra XUV500 SUV. Both have done a wonderful job for the brand and are still doing.
image – Maruti Ertiga Launch At Auto Expo 2012
We believe with such cars entering the market, the taste of the consumer has largely shifted to utility vehicles as they are value for money and offer more space. As far as the features are concerned they come with the same features which we see in popular cars now a days.
This is very interesting as even a small car expert like Maruti, is being called an MPV expert just after the success of Maruti Ertiga. Manufacturers like Ford and Renault are also stepping into the compact SUV segment with their cars Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster. Even Volkswagen has announced that it will come up with an MPV soon.
Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki, speaking on the success of the Ertiga said,
“Today, most cars sold are in the A2 segment. We designed the Ertiga at an affordable price point with the convenience of a UV (Utility Vehicle) and the mobility of a city vehicle… big on the inside and small outside.”
There is so much competition heading toward the utility vehicle segment and we are as eager as ever to see which car will be the best. Stay tuned for more updates.
