Every automaker, from Tata to Hyundai, is actively launching new vehicles in the Indian market. However, some brands are still uncertain about their future in the country. While we often highlight cars worth considering, today, we’re focusing on three car brands you might want to avoid for the time being. These brands are on this list due to declining sales, lack of updates, or an unclear future lineup. Let’s dive into the car brands to avoid in India.
Jeep
The first brand to avoid is Jeep. The iconic American SUV maker initially saw success with the launch of the Compass in India in July 2017, selling around 900 units in its first month. However, competition quickly caught up, and Jeep’s sales have been declining ever since, with only 276 units sold in July 2024. Additionally, the Meridian, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler have failed to gain traction in India.
Jeep’s pricing structure has been a major issue, with its models being more expensive than competitors’ offerings. Moreover, Jeep’s SUVs lack features like ADAS and blind spot monitoring, which are readily available in lower-segment rivals. Coupled with poor and expensive after-sales service, Jeep has become a tough choice for Indian consumers. While Jeep has promised a mild update to the Compass and Meridian in time for the festive season, it remains to be seen if these updates will make the brand more competitive.
Citroën
Next on the list is Citroën. Despite having four models in its lineup, the brand managed to sell only 335 units in July 2024. Citroën had previously announced plans to launch three C-Cubed models in India starting in 2022. Currently, the C3, C3 Aircross, and Citroën Basalt are available, but the brand is struggling with low demand as competitors continue to outpace it.
Recently, Citroën pulled out of Australia due to low sales, and its performance in India has been similarly lackluster. However, Citroën is committed to the Indian market, as evidenced by its increased investments and the launch of the aggressively priced coupe SUV, Basalt. Still, without a clear plan for new products, Citroën will need to make significant moves to remain relevant in India.
Volkswagen
Lastly, Volkswagen is another brand to be cautious about in India. Earlier, the company hinted at launching new models in the country starting in April 2024. While expectations were high for the I.D.4 and Tiguan All-Space, Volkswagen only introduced limited edition versions of the Virtus and Taigun. Despite selling around 3,000 units monthly, the brand’s lack of communication about future models has left fans uncertain.
Rumors suggest that Volkswagen is seeking an Indian partner to better understand the local market and reduce costs. However, with Skoda preparing to launch new models in India, there is hope that Volkswagen will soon announce something substantial for its Indian lineup.