Maruti Suzuki India anticipates a resurgence in the small car segment

Maruti Suzuki India, the leading player in the passenger vehicle market, anticipates a resurgence in the small car segment by the latter part of 2026 and early 2027.

Currently, the small car segment is experiencing a downturn, as evidenced by January 2024 sales figures of hatches totaling 1,03,644 units compared to 1,23,007 units in January 2023, marking a contraction of approximately 18 percent. Despite this decline, the company draws encouragement from the recent uptick observed in the two-wheeler segment.

According to a company official, historical patterns suggest that growth in the two-wheeler segment is typically followed by a similar growth trajectory in the entry-level car segment after a certain time lag.

Currently, small cars or hatchbacks constitute around 28 percent of the passenger vehicle market, with utility vehicles comprising over 50 percent of total sales.

In an effort to stimulate growth in the hatchback segment, Maruti Suzuki recently launched the fourth generation of its popular model, the Swift. Priced from ₹6.49 lakh ex-showroom, the new Swift is positioned to reignite interest and demand in the small car category.