LS poll effect: SUV market in top gear in UP

Automotive dealers claim market has witnessed an upswing of over 25% in SUV space

The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market in Uttar Pradesh has hit top gear in buildup to the trailblazing Lok Sabha poll 2014.

SUVs are the first choice amongst candidates and their enthusiastic supporters for canvassing, especially in the semi-urban and rural constituencies. Besides, the candidates try to make a statement of power with the tough exteriors of these big toys.

Automotive dealers here claim the market has witnessed an upswing of over 25 per cent in the SUV space. The pre-owned SUV segment is also on hot-wheels for the last couple of months as the elections drew nearer.

The sluggish SUV market in Lucknow, comprising four-five adjoining districts, which had been clocking 400 units per month in recent months has picked up to over 500 units now, thanks to the poll fever.

“The vehicle market has been down over the last quarters due to the general economic slowdown. However, the elections have boosted the SUV segment,” Lucknow-based Tata Motors dealership Goldrush Sales & Services MD Pradeep Agarwal told Business Standard. He is also former president of UP Motor & Industry Association.

The UP SUV market is over 2,500 units per month, which is also in overdrive following elections, he added.

He said SUVs were more spacious and ideal for off-road application during canvassing and electioneering.

“The market picks up two-three months prior to the announcement of election dates with candidates, who are sure of getting tickets, leading the pack for these vehicles,” he added.

The pre-owned market is also up, although it has slowed a bit after the model code of conduct came into operation, although the expenditure on vehicles is not added to the candidates’ ceiling of poll expenses, currently at Rs 70 lakh a candidate.

Since the old car market is getting organised and people opting to switch over to newer models faster than ever before, the pre-owned segment gets a regular inventory of vehicles in good condition. This provides a good deal to customers.

“One can get a pre-owned Tata Safari in good condition for Rs 4-7 lakh against a brand new one for upwards of Rs 10 lakh,” Lucknow Car Dealers’ Association office bearer and Rama Car Sales Private Limited MD Sanjeev Sahni said.

 UP accounts for maximum 80 Lok Sabha seats and polling in the state would be held in 6 phases viz. April 10 (10 seats), April 17 (11 seats), April 24 (12 seats), April 30 (14 seats), May 7 (15 seats) and May 12 (18 seats).

Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Akhilesh Pratap Singh observed SUVs had become a status symbol and candidates flaunted them to impress the electorate, especially in backwaters.

“The candidates also take cars on rent for canvassing,” he added.