Recent years have seen the sheer rise of the auto industry in the form of SUVs. Consumers have become highly enthusiastic about these rugged, versatile vehicles, while sedans have taken a backseat in terms of market share. However, with the growth of SUVs, many car manufacturers are actually focusing on reviving the sedan segment by launching new models with enhanced features, safety ratings, and designs. Let’s analyze the revival of sedans amidst this SUV-driven market.
Rise of SUVs and the Decline of Sedans
The sudden rise of SUVs has undoubtedly revamped the automotive landscape. Larger, more powerful, and technologically equipped, SUVs are the favorite among a rising number of consumers worldwide. This rapid boom has greatly altered the sedan market, which shrank from 20% to 9% in recent years.
Despite this, most of the manufacturers, mainly across India, are still quite convinced about the presence of sedans and pin high hopes on innovation and upgradation of the segment to attract the new generation of buyers. Though SUVs took center stage, the sedan still speaks to a lot of people with its scintillating design, better fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride.
New Dzire: Strong Push by Maruti
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, is not getting ready to call it quits for its sedans. The firm recently launched an upgraded version of its Dzire sedan, packing in a host of new features and improvements. The new Dzire now comes with six airbags and a five-star safety rating, ensuring it meets modern safety standards. This is a complete redesign from Maruti MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi and isn’t just an upgrade but a makeover for the sedan to make it more appealing to the modern-day buyer.
This indicates a clear commitment by Maruti to the sedan market through efforts that produce an evolution of sedans according to consumer expectations of higher standards of safety, better performance, and newer designs. The new Dzire should push the brand further into the sedan segment with its attractive package of affordability, reliability, and premium features.
Honda and Amaze Popularity
Honda continues to pump in big money into its sedans. As for the Amaze, it is once more the best-selling category for the company. However, the upgraded Amaze sedan is doing all the talking. Designed with the Indian customer in mind, the same manages to impress the fraternity with its updated looks, better interior comforts, and improved safety.
As per Kunal Behl, VP at Honda, this investment clearly explains the company’s belief in the sedan potential in the Indian market. Although SUVs are still on top, the compact and fashionable Amaze has been very essential in Honda’s sedan portfolio and is also bringing a considerable number of consumers.
Volkswagen and Skoda Enter the Sedan Market with New Models
Some other European big guns in the form of Volkswagen and Skoda, though the sedan segment is on a decline, also entered the fray. Skoda launched its Virtus, which is its new sedan, while Volkswagen introduced the new Slavia. These are designed with the same high ground clearance of about 180mm and agree to the latest customer preferences, like high ground clearance like that of SUVs, though the cars might differ a bit.
While these sedans maintain a certain level of elegance and driving dynamics from traditional sedans, the higher ground clearance makes it practical on Indian roads, often beset by potholes and a poor infrastructure. Sedans like this point out how manufacturers are now finding ways to marry the best of both worlds for sedans and SUVs and cater to the increasing needs of buyers.
Even luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz still believe in sedans.
Even luxury car makers are backing their belief that sedans are here to stay. Mercedes-Benz recently launched its all-new generation E-Class sedan, which has remained a volume driver in the overall portfolio for the company. The E-Class has been Mercedes’ top-of-the-line model in India and has contributed to 45% of the company’s business in India.
According to Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, the luxury car market still sees the sedan play a very important role as customers continue to appreciate its finesse, comfort, and performance in general. Thus, for the sedans’ customers, this comes often as the vehicle of choice – it is stylish, comfortable, prestigious, but still performs well in regular driving.
Why Sedans Remain Relevant Today
Even though SUVs are leading the charts by a wide margin. Sedans have their own distinct advantages that cannot be ignored today. Here are some reasons why sedans remain relevant in the market today:
- Sleek Design: Sedans are often found to be liked for their sleek and aerodynamic appearance. Thus, buyers who want a fashionable car really like sedans.
- Fuel Efficiency: Sedans are generally found to be more fuel efficient than the larger, bulkier SUVs.
- Comfort and Handling: Sedans usually maintain a lower ground clearance that provides a smoother ride and better handling than an SUV.
- Affordability: Sedans are affordable compared to SUVs, which makes them the most budget-friendly option for many buyers.
FAQs
1. What has made lose market shares to SUVs?
Sedans have lost market share due to the growing popularity of SUVs. Which provides higher ground clearance, more space, and a rugged, versatile design. SUVs are also popular among those who are looking for high-end features and a raised driving experience.
2. Are sedans back in India?
Yes, brands such as Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Volkswagen, and Skoda are not losing hope on sedans. They are continuously providing upgraded variants with latest features to attract customers who love the sophistication and, at the same time, convenience of sedans.
3. What modern features are being added to modern ?
Modern sedans come with safety ratings of six airbags and crash-test ratings. In addition to AI-driven technologies, advanced infotainment systems, and higher ground clearances to compete with SUVs.
4. Why are luxury brands still selling?
Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz continue to sell sedans mainly because sedans provide the most refined driving experience, superior comfort, and are used as a status symbol to relate with their market’s aspirations.
5. Can sedans be at par with SUVs in India?
SUVs dominate the Indian market, while a strong market for sedans remains, mainly in urban areas. The manufacturers are indeed trying to give features, like higher ground clearance and advanced tech. That are sought after by Indian consumers.
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