Tue Sep 10 23:34:30 UTC 2024: ## Hyundai Motor India Launches Facelifted Alcazar, Targeting Growing Mid-Large SUV Segment
**New Delhi:** Hyundai Motor India has launched the facelifted version of its popular Alcazar SUV, aiming to capitalize on the burgeoning mid-large SUV market. Priced at Rs 14.99 lakh onwards, the new Alcazar comes with both petrol and diesel engine options.
The mid-large SUV segment, currently holding a 7% share of the domestic passenger vehicle market, is expected to receive a boost from the new Alcazar, according to Tarun Garg, COO and whole-time director at Hyundai Motor India. He believes the vehicle will particularly appeal to customers looking for a second car or an upgrade from smaller SUVs.
The original Alcazar, launched in 2021, has already sold 75,000 units and accounts for 4% of Hyundai Motor India’s total sales. Interestingly, diesel variants dominate the Alcazar sales with a 57% share, while automatic transmissions are preferred by 56% of customers.
Despite the growing popularity of CNG variants in smaller cars, Hyundai remains focused on diesel offerings in the mid-SUV segment. Garg explains that customers in this segment prioritize initial torque, which diesel engines provide. This is reflected in the sales figures, with the Creta, another popular Hyundai SUV, also seeing a 60:40 ratio in favor of diesel variants.
Looking ahead, Hyundai is preparing to introduce an electric variant of the Creta by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. The company also plans to roll out 21 EV models by 2030. In response to the recent slowdown in EV sales, Hyundai Motor Group is developing an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) strategy, combining the advantages of internal combustion engines (ICE) and EVs.
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