Hyundai Motor India Limited has officially entered the commercial mobility segment with the launch of its dedicated Prime Taxi range on Tuesday. The launch introduces two purpose-built variants - Prime HB (hatchback) based on Grand i10 NIOS and Prime SD (sedan) based on Aura - specifically designed for fleet operators and taxi entrepreneurs across India.

Prime Taxi Range Pricing and Specifications

The Prime Taxi range offers competitive pricing with comprehensive specifications tailored for commercial operations:

Both variants are powered by a proven and reliable 1.2L Kappa 4-cylinder engine available in petrol and CNG configurations. The CNG variants deliver exceptional fuel efficiency with Prime SD achieving 28.40 km/kg and Prime HB delivering 27.32 km/kg as per ARAI certification. All models come with company-fitted CNG and speed limiting function (SLF) backed by three years warranty.

Comprehensive Safety and Comfort Features

The Prime range comes equipped with extensive safety and convenience features designed for commercial operations:

Additional features include footwell lighting, with rear adjustable headrests and keyless entry available exclusively on the Prime HB variant.

Extended Warranty and Service Support

According to Managing Director & CEO designate Tarun Garg, the Prime range addresses fleet operators' priorities of maximum uptime, predictable maintenance, and low operating costs. "Fleet operators and taxi drivers look for vehicles that deliver maximum uptime, predictable maintenance and low operating costs, and the Hyundai Prime range has been developed precisely with these priorities in mind," Garg stated.

The company offers specially designed extended warranty coverage for the 4th and 5th year or 180,000 kilometers, whichever comes earlier. The vehicles feature a low maintenance cost of 47 paise per kilometer, calculated based on recommended periodic maintenance services up to 100,000 kilometers.

Optional Accessories and Finance Solutions

Hyundai Motor India has introduced optional accessories including:

The Prime HB and Prime SD are available in three color options - Atlas White, Typhoon Silver, and Abyss Black. Bookings are now open across all Hyundai dealerships in India with the ₹5,000.00 booking amount. The Prime range benefits from Hyundai's nationwide sales and service network, with exclusive trained fleet care advisors available at dealerships to assist taxi and fleet customers.

Hyundai Motor's April Sales Performance

Hyundai Motor , South Korea's leading automaker, has reported impressive sales figures for April, showcasing the company's resilience and market strength in the global automotive industry.

Global Sales Overview

Hyundai Motor announced that its global sales for April reached 358,886 units, marking a significant increase of 13.9% compared to the same period last year. This growth demonstrates the company's ability to navigate challenges in the global market and meet consumer demand effectively.

Domestic Market Performance

In its home market of South Korea, Hyundai Motor sold 63,160 units in April. This represents a modest year-on-year increase of 2.6%, indicating stable demand in the domestic market.

International Sales Success

The company's international sales were particularly strong, with 295,726 units sold outside of South Korea. This figure represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 16.5%, highlighting Hyundai's growing appeal in global markets.

Analysis

The robust sales performance in April can be attributed to several factors:

1. Product Portfolio Strength: Hyundai's diverse range of vehicles, including popular models in various segments, continues to attract customers worldwide.

2. Global Economic Recovery: As many countries progress in their post-pandemic recovery, consumer confidence and spending on big-ticket items like automobiles have increased.

3. Supply Chain Improvements: Hyundai has likely made strides in addressing supply chain disruptions that have affected the automotive industry in recent years.

4. Strategic Market Expansion: The company's efforts to strengthen its presence in key international markets appear to be yielding positive results.

Hyundai Motor's strong April performance sets a positive tone for the company's sales. However, challenges such as ongoing supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, and increasing competition in the electric vehicle market may require continued strategic focus from the automaker.