Changing consumer demands in the Indian automobile market has led to long waiting periods for top-selling sport utility vehicles, and their variants and customers have had to wait several months to get their coveted vehicles in possession. Recognising this, some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are expanding capacities in order to reduce the waiting time.
There has been an increased demand for sport utility vehicles, premium cars and sub-compact SUVs with customers preferring larger vehicles now.
For instance the 5-door Thar Roxx launched in August last year by Mahindra & Mahindra has a waiting period of up to 9 months. The company is planning to ramp up capacity for the model at its plant over the next six to eight months to meet the high demand. The top variant of its popular XUV700 has a waiting period of up to 3 months.
Launched way back in 2022, the Toyota Hycross still has a waiting period of 6 to 8 months while the Toyota Fortuner, a mainstay of the brand, has a waiting period of 3 to 6 months while other models have a waiting period of upto 3 months. A refreshed version with a hybrid powertrain is expected later this year or next year.
“The waiting period is different across models for Toyota in the country. Ideally for an SUV it is up to 4 months,” said a Toyota India dealer.
Tata Motors’ vehicles have a relatively lower waiting period of up to six weeks while Hyundai’s cars have a waiting period of between four to six weeks for its top models.
However, car enthusiasts are willing to wait for a longer period to get their favourite model.
“I have to wait another 3 months to get the top variant of Thar Roxx. I placed my order in October but I am willing to wait for this long as it is special for me. I already own Thar and this is the perfect upgrade,” said Rohan Singh, a Mumbai resident.
Though luxury carmakers have reduced the vehicle waiting period for their vehicles manufactured in India, the completely built-up units continue to have a longer wait time of up to 12 months.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has a waiting period of upto 3 months. Customers of Its Maybach, S class and G Wagon have to wait up to a year for them.
“Overall the waiting period has reduced across Original Equipment Manufacturers but top models have longer wait periods,” said Manish Raj Singhania, Chairman of the Academy and Research of the Federation Of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA).