Utility vehicles array in auto market as India's aspirations rise

Compact SUVs lead the charge in this segment, far ahead of growth in the others

A decade earlier, hatchbacks were the hot cakes for vehicle makers. Then, the sedan. 

Now, it’s all about utility vehicles (UVs), especially sports utility vehicles (SUVs). More, below four metres. The segment’s growth was higher than overall car sales and the trend is expected to continue — SUVs are expected to grow twice the overall rate for car sales.

The UV segment is expected to grow exponentially to 1.5 million units a year by 2023. UVs comprise SUVs, midsize, multi-utility and premium vehicles Close to dozen UVs are expected to hit the road soon, priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 6.5