Tata Punch surpasses Maruti Suzuki's top models to become the best-selling car of 2024
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In a market historically led by Maruti Suzuki vehicles, the Tata Punch has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the position of the best-selling model for the calendar year 2024. This marks the first occasion in several decades that a model from a manufacturer other than Maruti Suzuki has claimed the top spot in annual sales rankings.
Tata Motors reported sales of 202,000 units of the Punch SUV throughout 2024, surpassing the Maruti Suzuki WagonR, which sold 191,000 units. While other Maruti Suzuki models, such as the Ertiga and Brezza, along with the Hyundai Creta, continue to feature in the top five best-selling cars of 2024, the ascent of the Punch to the leading position highlights the growing preference for SUV body styles over compact and hatchback variants.
Officials from Tata Motors have attributed the success of their SUV lineup to the positive market response throughout 2024, with particular commendation for the Punch. “We have experienced significant growth in our SUV segment, driven by successful product launches based on our established multi-powertrain strategy. CNG sales surged by an impressive 77%, with over 120,000 CNG vehicles sold in CY24," stated Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. “SUV sales increased by a substantial 19%, with the Punch achieving over 200,000 units sold, making it the highest-selling car model in India for CY24."
Journey of Tata Punch in India
Tata Punch is not a newly introduced model for 2024; rather, it made its debut in the Indian automotive market in October 2021. At that time, the manufacturer emphasized key features including a tall-boy design, micro SUV dimensions, moderate off-road capabilities, and a roomy interior. Additionally, its five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests significantly enhanced its appeal.
Also watch: Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter: 5 features that set them apart from each other
It is not surprising that Punch rapidly achieved significant sales figures. The vehicle reached its initial production milestone of one lakh units merely ten months after its launch in August 2022. The subsequent one lakh units were produced by May 2023, followed by the third lakh in early January 2024. The fourth lakh production milestone is anticipated to be reached eight months later, with considerable attention now focused on the pivotal five-lakh mark.
So why is Tata Punch selling like hotcakes?
Tata Punch is offered in four distinct variants: Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative. It is equipped with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or an automated manual transmission (AMT).
The inclusion of safety and convenience features has resonated well with prospective buyers, while its compact dimensions combined with SUV styling have attracted a diverse audience in both urban and semi-urban areas of the country. Additionally, Tata Motors has introduced the Punch CNG and Punch EV models, further enhancing its sales and popularity.
In many respects, the Tata Punch has pioneered a new segment, now joined by newer competitors such as the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Although these models have also garnered positive responses, the Punch maintains a unique position within its category, appealing to various segments. The competitive pricing of both the Punch and Exter, with base variants starting at approximately ₹6.20 lakh (ex-showroom), contributes to their attractiveness. The top variant of the Punch is priced around ₹10.15 lakh (ex-showroom), compared to approximately ₹10.50 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Exter.
In a challenging market where achieving a balance between providing a comprehensive vehicle and maintaining an appealing price is crucial, the Punch appears to have excelled more effectively than its competitors. The advantage of being a first mover may also play a significant role in its ongoing success.
