Gurugram:
Exactly a decade ago, Hyundai launched a stylish new SUV that no one could pronounce correctly. Fast forward to 2025, and the Hyundai Creta has become a household name, a driveway darling, and the unofficial mascot of the Indian middle class’ dreams. Celebrating ten years of ruling the roads and hearts, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) has officially declared July as “Creta Month”— because when you sell 1.2 million units, you’ve earned the right to name a holiday after your car.
From being “that new SUV” in 2015 to becoming “The Undisputed Ultimate SUV” in 2024, Creta’s journey has been nothing short of a Bollywood blockbuster. With more facelifts than a K-drama actor and more special editions than a Marvel movie franchise, Creta has managed to stay fresh, fierce, and frustratingly ahead of the curve.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (And Neither Do First-Time Buyers):
In 2016, Creta clocked a respectable 92,926 units. But by 2024, it doubled down with 186,919 units—because apparently, “Ultimate” wasn’t just a tagline, it was a prophecy. It now commands a 31% market share in the mid-size SUV space, a segment people fondly refer to as the “CRETA Class.”
Interestingly, the share of first-time car buyers choosing Creta jumped from 12% in 2020 to 29% in 2024. Yes, you read that right. Indians are skipping the starter hatchback and going straight for “Sunroof waali gaadi.” In fact, 70% of Creta buyers now prefer the sunroof variant—proving that sometimes, it is what’s on the roof that counts.
Creta Across Borders (and Backyards):
The made-in-India Creta has also put its international passport to good use, being exported to 13 countries and racking up over 2.87 lakh exports. Meanwhile, back home, it’s the go-to choice for anyone who wants their neighbours to know they’ve “arrived.”
A Celebration Worth Honking About:
To mark this 10-year milestone, HMIL is rolling out more than just cake. There’s a digital contest inviting owners to share their “Creta X Memories” for a chance to meet Deepika Padukone (or at the very least, win an iPhone). A legacy film capturing the CRETA journey is also being released—think less documentary, more SUV romantic thriller. And the pièce de résistance? A 100-car “Creta Legacy Drive” from Hyundai’s Gurugram HQ on July 26. It’s like a baraat, but with cruise control.
Words from the Captains of the Ship (and Shipments):
Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, summed it up best: “Creta is not just a product, it’s a revolution on wheels.” A statement seconded by Tarun Garg, who called Creta “a living legacy”—a phrase typically reserved for freedom fighters, but we’re not complaining.
From “Perfect” to “Ultimate” to “Undisputed”
Creta’s tagline evolution mirrors its journey—from the humble “Perfect SUV” in 2015, to “The Ultimate SUV” in 2020, and finally “The Undisputed Ultimate SUV” in 2024. At this rate, the 2030 edition might just be called “The SUV That Shall Not Be Challenged.”
As Hyundai Creta turns 10, it stands not just as a best-seller, but as a best-friend on four wheels—one that took millions of Indians on road trips, college runs, weddings, and weekday commutes (even if you only used sport mode for U-turns).
Here’s to a decade of dominance, a future of firsts, and a nation full of Creta converts. Long may it cruise.
