The SUV market in India is booming. Hyundai Motor India, a prime player in the segment, is bringing in its successful model Santa Fe to India to meet the demands of the market.

Reports say that the company is mulling over replacing the existing Tucson with Santa Fe. Hyundai has lifted the wraps off its next generation Santa Fe in the US. Next in line is Europe, which will probably see a completely-built unit (CBU) from the auto major’s Korean plant.

Hyundai's Santa Fe is a bestseller in the highly competitive North American market and the rising sales of premium SUVs in India has prompted its possible launch. Sales of sports utility vehicles are expected to grow 25-30% and reach 7,000 units in the current fiscal from 4,800 units sold in 2006. Despite the slowdown in the automobile market, the total utility vehicle market (including SUVs) grew 24% to 59,369 units in April-July 2007.

According to sources in the automobile industry, Hyundai Motor India is currently testing a new SUV in India, though the company refused to divulge details. Reports said that Hyundai is focusing on its new compact car, codenamed Pa.

The SUV model is likely to hit the Indian roads by mid-2008, it is rumored. The focus on SUVs is Hyundai's bid to tackle growing competition. General
Motors is re-entering the SUV segment with its diesel Captiva while Mitsubishi will roll out Outlander in the domestic market.

Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra may also launch its new 2.2-litre Scorpio in 2008, Skoda Auto will come in with a Roomster model, while Nissan will roll out the Livina, and Renault will debut the Megane in a few months from now.

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