Maruti Suzuki's CNG Cars Dominate With Strong Sales In Early FY2024: Tata Motors, Hyundai, & Toyota Follow

Updated: Saturday, July 6, 2024, 15:31 [IST]

Maruti Suzuki has announced its quarterly and monthly sales figures, highlighting the performance of its CNG cars during Q1 of FY2024. The automaker, which boasts the largest CNG portfolio in India, sold 1.38 lakh units of CNG cars from April to June 2024. This figure is part of the total 4.14 lakh units sold in the domestic market during this period.

Currently, Maruti Suzuki offers 12 CNG-powered models, including popular names like Alto K10, Celerio, Eeco, S-Presso, Wagon R, Dzire, Brezza, Ertiga, Baleno, Fronx, XL6, and Grand Vitara. The first eight models are available through Arena dealerships while the latter four are sold via Nexa outlets. Additionally, the new-gen Swift is expected to join the CNG lineup soon.

Maruti Suzuki's Dominance In The CNG Market

Maruti Suzuki leads the Indian CNG market with a commanding 66 percent share. In the first half of 2024 alone, Maruti sold 1.59 lakh CNG cars and SUVs. This marks a 34 percent increase compared to H1 2023 when they sold 1.18 lakh units. The company’s decision to exit the diesel car market in April 2020 has been offset by growing demand for its CNG models.

The Ertiga CNG model is particularly popular with 43,000 open bookings across India. This high demand underscores Maruti's stronghold in the market as it continues to expand its CNG offerings.

Tata Motors' Rapid Growth

Tata Motors ranks second in terms of CNG sales with nearly 64,000 units sold in CY2023. In H1 2024 alone, Tata retailed 54,545 units—a significant jump from the 16,940 units sold in H1 2023—marking a remarkable growth of 222 percent year-on-year. Tata’s current market share stands at 22.51 percent.

Tata entered the CNG market with models like Tiago and Tigor in January 2022 and has since introduced new models such as Punch and Nexon CNG compact SUVs. These additions have bolstered Tata’s position in the competitive landscape.

Hyundai and Toyota's Performance

Hyundai Motor India has also seen steady growth with its three CNG models: Aura, Grand i10 Nios and Exter. The company sold over 24,000 units in H1 2024—a modest increase from last year's sales of approximately 23,348 units during the same period.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor expanded its CNG portfolio to include four models: Taisor, Glanza hatchback, Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV and Rumion MPV. Toyota's sales rose by 49 percent year-on-year with over 4,000 units sold in H1 2024 compared to around 2,852 units in H1 2023.