The holy occasion of Diwali and Dhanteras is considered to be the most auspicious and favorite time for Indian families to bring home a new car. This is the biggest business season of the year for automobile companies, in which a large part of the year's total sales are completed in just these few weeks. When it comes to which company's vehicles are reaching most Indian homes, the trend that has been going on for decades remains almost the same even today. With a market share of more than 40 per cent in the country's passenger vehicle (PV) market, Maruti Suzuki still remains the undisputed first choice of Indian families. However, the Indian automobile landscape has undergone major changes in recent years. While Maruti has remained at the first position on the basis of its reliability, excellent mileage and budget-friendly maintenance, due to the demand for safety rating and powerful SUVs, Tata Motors and Mahindra have also quickly made a place in the hearts of Indian families. Understand in numbers: Which company has how much dominance in the market? According to the recent monthly sales data of the country's automobile associations and companies, the top players in the Indian market are as follows: Maruti Suzuki (market share ~40%): Models like Swift, WagonR, Baleno, Dezire, Brezza and Ertiga are sold in lakhs every month. Its wide service network and low cost in every small and big city of the country makes it a reliable partner for the middle class. Tata Motors (Market Share ~14-15%): With a 5-star safety rating, strong build quality and huge growth in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Tata is firmly in the second position. Cars like Punch and Nexon are seen in every second house today. Mahindra & Mahindra (Market Share ~13-14%): If you like strong and muscular SUVs, then Mahindra has emerged as the most loved company in the country. The huge waiting list of Scorpio-N, Thar and XUV700 is proof that Indian buyers are crazy about rugged vehicles. Hyundai Motor India (Market Share ~11-12%): Building on the Creta and Venue, Hyundai remains the top choice for customers looking for premium looks, great cabin comfort and cutting-edge features. Toyota and Kia (market share ~6-7% each): Toyota is in the top 6 on the back of the Innova and Fortuner, while Kia is also in the top 6 on the back of the modern design of the Seltos and Sonet. Why is Maruti Suzuki still winning hearts? Hardly anyone understands the pulse of the Indian car market better than Maruti Suzuki. When an Indian customer buys a car, he not only looks at the price of the car, but also keeps its running cost and resale value at the top. Maruti's CNG (S-CNG) range and Strong Hybrid technology have freed customers from the worry of rising petrol prices by giving them mileage ranging from 25 to 30 km/litre. Additionally, easy availability of spare parts from local mechanics to authorized workshops in any remote corner of the country gives customers peace of mind. Keep these things in mind while buying a car on Diwali If you are planning to take delivery of the car this Dhanteras or Diwali, then take some important precautions: Festive Discounts and Corporate Offers: During the festive season, dealerships offer many packages like cash discounts, exchange bonuses and free accessories. Be sure to compare quotations from 2-3 different dealerships before booking. Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): There is heavy rush in the showroom on festival days. Before taking delivery of the car and making full payment, thoroughly inspect the car in broad daylight to ensure that there are no scratches, dents or manufacturing defects. Choosing the right engine option: If your daily commute is more than 30-40 km, consider CNG, hybrid or EV. For low usage the normal petrol model will prove to be the most economical.
