Major automakers line up new car launches and updates for the festive season

Car sales in India are seeing a busy festive period with many new car models, updates, and facelifts launching between September and November. The festive buying season started with Onam on August 26, moved through Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, and ends with Diwali on November 8.

Recent Launches

Several car companies have already launched new vehicles in recent weeks. Kia launched the Sorento on September 4. Maruti Suzuki released the updated Baleno on September 5. BMW rolled out the i5 Long Wheelbase on September 7, followed by the new 7 Series range on September 11. JSW MG Motor India introduced the Hector Tomahawk in EV and PHEV versions on August 26.

Upcoming Cars

Hyundai has announced the Bayon SUV name and plans to launch it in October. Tata Motors has confirmed it will launch the new Aeris compact sedan on September 25 to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura. Maruti Suzuki is also testing a Wagon R facelift for a possible October or November release. Other cars tracked for October by industry sources include the Honda Elevate facelift, Toyota Glanza facelift, and JSW Jetour T2, though their exact dates are not officially confirmed yet.

Premium Models And Market Outlook

Luxury brands are also bringing new cars. Mercedes-Maybach has scheduled the S-Class launch for October 5. Volvo has confirmed the EX90 and ES90 will launch on October 12. Puneet Gupta, Director at Mobility Global, stated that auto sales have strong momentum because there have been no major disruptions like repo rate hikes, oil price jumps, or huge price increases by car makers. However, he warned that high growth numbers might slow down in the coming months.