Hyundai Increases Production Capacity for Exter SUV Due to High Demand

Hyundai is responding to the exceptional demand for its Exter entry-level SUV by increasing production capacity by 30 percent. Over 75,000 units have been booked, and a significant portion of these bookings is for the higher-spec variants. To cope with the increasing demand, production has been ramped up from 6,000 to 8,000 units per month at Hyundai's Chennai facility. The waiting period for some variants extends up to nine months, and the company aims to reduce these waiting times by increasing production capacity further in 2024.


This production increase includes diverting some export volumes to the domestic market due to the lengthy waiting periods. Despite concerns that the Exter would cannibalize sales of the Venue, Hyundai reports that Venue sales have remained strong, with over 10,000 units sold monthly. There has been a marginal impact on the Grand i10 Nios hatchback, decreasing by 1,000 to 1,500 units, but this is attributed to the shrinking hatchback segment. The Exter has contributed an additional 6,000 units in sales for Hyundai, making it the second best-selling entry-level SUV after the Tata Punch and increasing Hyundai's segment share in the SUV market to 20 percent.


The Hyundai Exter, launched with competitive pricing starting at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom), offers five variants and a choice of a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 83 BHP and 114 Nm of torque or a CNG variant with slightly reduced power. Safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill assist control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors and camera, and three-point seatbelts for all occupants.


The Exter's exceptional qualities, appealing pricing, and enhanced production capacity have solidified its place as the best option in the Indian SUV market.