Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) on Tuesday entered the commercial mobility segment with the launch of its taxi offerings, Prime HB (hatchback) and Prime SD (sedan), marking a strategic expansion beyond its core focus on private passenger vehicles.

The move comes amid intensifying competition in the domestic auto market, with the South Korean carmaker expected to lose its second position by the end of 2025. Based on Vahan registrations, HMIL is projected to slip to fourth place behind Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, while Maruti Suzuki continues to lead the market.

The Prime taxi range has been developed specifically for fleet operators and taxi entrepreneurs, with a focus on low operating costs, predictable maintenance and high vehicle uptime. Both models are powered by Hyundai’s 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder engine and are available in petrol as well as factory-fitted CNG variants.

HMIL has priced the Prime HB at Rs 0.599 million and the Prime SD at Rs 0.689 million (ex-showroom). Bookings are open across dealerships with a token amount of Rs 0.005 million.

According to the company, the Prime range combines competitive pricing with features tailored for commercial use. These include a company-fitted speed limiter capped at 80 kmph, six airbags, rear AC vents, power windows, rear parking sensors and steering-mounted controls. Optional accessories such as a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera, and a vehicle location tracking device with panic buttons have also been introduced to meet regulatory and operational requirements for taxi services.

“With the introduction of Prime HB and Prime SD, Hyundai is proud to enter the commercial mobility space with products engineered for trust, reliability and strong earning potential,” said Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO-designate of HMIL. He added that the company’s extensive service network, extended warranty packages and flexible finance options would help fleet operators enhance profitability while ensuring safe and comfortable mobility for passengers.

To address the high usage typical of taxi operations, HMIL is offering specially designed extended warranty packages covering the fourth and fifth years or up to 0.18 million km, whichever is earlier. Maintenance costs are estimated at around 47 paise per km. The company is also offering flexible financing options with repayment tenures of up to 72 months, along with dedicated fleet-care advisors at dealerships to support both new and expanding fleet owners.

The launch is significant as HMIL seeks to diversify volumes and tap into a price-sensitive, high-usage segment at a time when competition in the private passenger vehicle market continues to intensify.