Hyundai Offers Discounts and Freebies on Exter, Venue, i20 and i10 Under Super Delight March

In response to a challenging automotive market, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced substantial 'benefits' across its popular hatchback and SUV lineup. The "Super Delight March" campaign offers benefits ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 55,000 on the Exter, Venue, i20, and Grand i10 NIOS models as the Korean automaker attempts to stimulate sales amid a broader industry downturn.

More such offers are likely to come from other car brands due to the slowdown in the market seen this year.

As for Hyundai, the exact nature of the benefits have not been revealed, but it said they include a mix of discounts and freebies.

Industry-Wide Sales Slump

The move comes as India's automobile sector experiences significant headwinds. According to recent data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), February 2025 witnessed a 7.19% year-on-year decline across all automotive segments, with passenger vehicles specifically registering a steeper 10.34% drop.

This across-the-board contraction signals broader economic challenges affecting consumer spending power and confidence in India. FADA President C.S. Vigneshwar highlighted dealer concerns about inventory being pushed without consent, weak market sentiment, delayed conversions, and challenging sales targets.

Hyundai's Market Position Under Pressure

The sales promotion appears strategically timed, as Hyundai has experienced a notable setback in its market position. Once firmly established as India's second-largest carmaker, Hyundai slipped to fourth place in February 2025 with sales of 38,156 units (12.58% market share), falling behind Maruti Suzuki (38.94%), Mahindra & Mahindra (13.15%), and Tata Motors (12.75%).

This represents a dramatic month-on-month decline of approximately 36% from January's 59,858 units, intensifying the three-way battle for the number two position that has been brewing over the past year.

Campaign Details

The "Super Delight March" promotion offers benefits of up to:

Rs 55,000 on the Hyundai Venue
Rs 35,000 on the Hyundai Exter
Rs 50,000 on the Hyundai i20
Rs 53,000 on the Grand i10 NIOS

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer at HMIL, said, "This March, we are thrilled to introduce exciting offers and rewards for our valued customers, celebrating the joy of owning a Hyundai vehicle. Through these exclusive discounts and special rewards, we aim to empower everyone aspiring to own a Hyundai."

The company has also launched a television commercial highlighting the campaign, portraying car buying as "more than just a purchase" but "a celebration that brings families and loved ones together."

Timing Amid Market Challenges

Industry watchers note that the timing of Hyundai's aggressive discounting strategy aligns with broader economic factors dampening consumer enthusiasm. FADA reported that five consecutive months of declining stock markets have eroded consumer confidence, with reduced discretionary spending driving lower sales.

Dealer inventory concerns are particularly acute, with passenger vehicle stock levels standing at 50-52 days, significantly above the ideal range. This suggests manufacturers, including Hyundai, have been pushing inventory to dealers despite softening retail demand.

While February's performance raises concerns, FADA's dealer survey indicates cautious optimism for March, with nearly 45% of dealers predicting growth. The convergence of multiple festivals—including Holi and Gudi Padwa—combined with year-end depreciation benefits could potentially boost vehicle purchases across segments.

For Hyundai, which has invested heavily in the Indian market with manufacturing capacity expansions and new model introductions, regaining its traditional second position will be a critical priority. With Mahindra's consistent growth (19% year-on-year in February 2025) contrasting with Hyundai's 4% decline, the "Super Delight March" campaign represents a significant effort to reverse recent trends and stimulate sales in a challenging market environment.

Recently, Skoda Auto India also unveiled a comprehensive set of value enhancements across its Kushaq, Slavia, and Kylaq model lineup, according to a press release issued on March 1, 2025. The company is offering a free one-year Supercare maintenance package for all three models, alongside updated warranty structures.

The Kushaq SUV now comes with a 5-year/125,000 km standard warranty and starts at ₹10,99,000 for the base variant. Skoda has improved the value proposition by integrating previously premium-exclusive features into mid-level trims, including electric sunroof, alloy wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.