Kochi: Busy in the car market. Since the month of Leo this time is August and September, it is available for sale for 2 months. Booking and delivery went smoothly. All the car companies are bringing more models to Kerala as the upcoming festive season is on its way across the country.

The peculiarity is that Malayali consumers have shifted to small-medium SUVs and thus from 8-10 lakhs to the 12-15 lakhs range. Demand for self-charging hybrid cars is high due to high mileage.

As all the companies have increased the supply, the delivery arrears in the bookings are also decreasing. There is a 20%–25% increase in car bookings in the July–August quarter compared to the April–June quarter. Suzuki Company’s Arena range of vehicles has crossed 10,000 bookings. Nexa models exceeded 5,000. In Arena, Swift, Brezza and WagonR are ahead while in Nexa, it is Fronx, Grand Vitara and Baleno.

Hyundai models, which are second in the market, also have a growth rate of more than 20 percent. Small SUVs like Creta, Exeter, Venue and Alcazar are ahead.

High Cross, Highrider and Glanza are leading in Toyota. The Kerala market for Toyota models also grew by 3.2% compared to last year.

With the launch of new models for Mahindra, the demand has increased. 3XO and Thar Rox are the leading models. Sales are up 25% over the previous year. More than 400 vehicles were delivered in Singham 1. This will continue till Onam is over.

Even if the price is a little higher, Malayalee families want a higher seat, safety and more mileage. This is the reason for the rise in the sales of SUVs priced above 12 lakhs.

Eldo Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer, Nippon Toyota