For car enthusiasts keeping a pulse on the Indian automotive industry, Tata Motors’ dominance in the SUV segment comes as no surprise. The Mumbai-based automaker has secured a remarkable feat, with its Nexon and Punch SUVs emerging as the best-selling SUVs in India for the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY23-24). This accomplishment marks Nexon’s third consecutive year at the top, solidifying its position as a crowd favorite. But the success story doesn’t end there. The Punch, a newcomer compared to the Nexon, has impressively secured the second-place spot, showcasing its rapid rise in popularity.
A Look at the Numbers: Nexon and Punch Lead the Pack
The table below highlights the annual sales figures for both SUVs throughout the past three fiscal years:
| Sales Period | Tata Nexon | Tata Punch |
|---|---|---|
| FY21-22 | 124,130 | 52,716 |
| FY22-23 | 172,138 | 133,819 |
| FY23-24 | 171,697 | 170,076 |
EV Contribution on the Rise:
It’s important to note that these sales figures encompass both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) variants of the Nexon and Punch. While Tata hasn’t disclosed the exact breakdown of sales between these variants, they have revealed some key insights:
The Nexon EV contributed a significant 12% to the overall Nexon sales in FY23-24.
The Punch EV, launched in January 2024, made a strong debut, accounting for 16% of the total Punch sales between January and March 2024.
These figures highlight the growing consumer interest in electric vehicles within the Indian market. Both the Nexon EV and Punch EV offer compelling alternatives to their ICE counterparts, catering to a more environmentally conscious segment of buyers.
Sales Surge in Q4:
Tata’s success wasn’t limited to just the annual figures. The last quarter of FY23-24 witnessed a significant surge in demand for both the Nexon and Punch. Tata dispatched a staggering 17,148 units of the Nexon in January 2024 and an impressive 18,438 units of the Punch in February 2024. This robust performance in the final quarter underscores the consistent appeal of these SUVs throughout the year.
Tata Nexon: A Feature-Packed Sub-4m SUV
Introduced in 2017, the Tata Nexon has carved a niche for itself in the popular sub-4m SUV segment. The SUV has undergone two substantial refreshes, the latest one occurring in September 2023. This most recent update brought sharper aesthetics and a plethora of modern features, propelling the Nexon further ahead of its competitors.
Key Highlights of the Refreshed Nexon:
Sleek Design: The refreshed Nexon boasts a sharper and more contemporary look.
Advanced Features: A dual-screen setup featuring two 10.25-inch displays (one for infotainment and one for the instrument cluster) elevates the driving experience. Passengers can also enjoy a premium 9-speaker JBL sound system for immersive audio.
Enhanced Safety: Safety remains a priority, with the inclusion of a 360-degree camera and six airbags offering peace of mind on the road.
Transmission Options: The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine now benefits from two new transmission choices: a 5-speed manual transmission (MT) and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Nexon EV: A Powerful Electric Option:
The Nexon EV received a parallel refresh alongside the ICE variant in 2023. It shares many of the design and feature upgrades, although it adopts the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen unit seen in the new Harrier and Safari SUVs. While the battery pack specifications remain unchanged, the powertrain has been optimized, resulting in a claimed driving range of up to 465 km.
Nexon’s Sales Milestones:
Tata achieved the 1 lakh unit sales milestone for the Nexon in August 2019.
By December 2023, the Indian automaker had shipped a remarkable 6 lakh units of the Nexon (including Nexon EV figures).
FAQs
Q: What contributed to Tata Nexon and Punch’s success?
A: Their feature-rich offerings, including modern technology and strong performance, coupled with competitive pricing, have appealed to Indian consumers.
Q: How do Tata Nexon and Punch EVs fare against their competitors?
A: They offer a competitive range, features, and pricing, making them attractive options in the growing EV segment.
Q: Are there any upcoming updates or variants for Tata Nexon and Punch?
A: Tata is expected to introduce facelifts and new variants for both models, aiming to maintain their market dominance.
