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Key Takeaways
- Maruti Suzuki posted a 7% year-on-year sales increase, retaining its dominance in the Indian market.
- Mahindra & Mahindra achieved a robust 28% domestic sales growth, overtaking both Hyundai and Tata for the second spot.
- Tata Motors suffered a 6–7% decline in domestic sales, with its electric vehicle portfolio also shrinking.
- Hyundai’s domestic sales dropped by 9–12%, though export volumes grew significantly.
- The SUV segment continues to drive growth for Mahindra, while lack of new launches hurt Hyundai and Tata.
- The overall passenger vehicle market saw subdued growth amid economic headwinds and cautious consumer sentiment.
- Industry analysts are watching closely to see if these shifts signal a long-term change or a temporary fluctuation.
Maruti Suzuki Holds Firm at the Top
Despite broader market challenges, Maruti Suzuki reported a 7% year-on-year jump in total sales, reaching 179,791 units in April 2025, up from 168,089 units the previous year. The company’s domestic passenger vehicle sales saw only marginal growth, but strong export performance and continued demand for SUVs and compact cars helped solidify its leadership position. Maruti Suzuki remains the undisputed leader in India’s passenger vehicle market, with no immediate threat to its decades-long dominance.
Mahindra’s SUV Strength Propels It to Second Place
Mahindra & Mahindra emerged as the clear winner among Indian automakers in April, registering a 28% year-on-year growth in domestic sales to 52,330 units. This surge allowed Mahindra to surpass both Tata Motors and Hyundai, extending its lead over Tata by more than 7,000 units and Hyundai by nearly 8,000 units. The brand’s robust SUV portfolio, including models like the Thar Roxx and Scorpio N, continues to enjoy strong demand, helping Mahindra maintain double-digit growth even as the broader market remains subdued. Company leadership attributes this success to the strength of their offerings and sustained customer interest.
Tata Motors and Hyundai Face Declines Amid Market Headwinds
Tata Motors experienced a 6–7% year-on-year decline in domestic passenger vehicle sales, dropping to 45,199 units in April 2025. The decline was even sharper in its electric vehicle segment, which saw a 16% contraction. Tata did, however, manage to narrowly edge out Hyundai for third place in the domestic market.
Hyundai’s domestic sales fell by 9–12%, with 44,374 units sold in April, down from 50,201 units a year earlier. The company cited macroeconomic headwinds and inventory adjustments as factors behind the slowdown. Despite this, Hyundai’s export volumes grew by over 21%, reflecting the brand’s ongoing focus on international markets.
SUVs Drive Growth, Market Faces Uncertainty
The Indian passenger vehicle market’s growth remains heavily concentrated in the SUV segment, with Mahindra’s SUV sales leading the charge. Analysts note that affluent buyers continue to favor SUVs, while overall consumer sentiment is cautious amid economic uncertainty. The lack of major new launches from Hyundai and Tata has further contributed to their subdued performance, allowing Mahindra to capitalize on its refreshed lineup.
The broader industry recorded only single-digit year-on-year growth in April, and automakers remain cautious about inventory buildup. While some brands like Toyota and Kia reported strong gains, the market’s trajectory for the rest of the year will depend on economic conditions and evolving consumer preferences.
The April 2025 sales figures mark a significant reshuffling among India’s top automakers, with Mahindra’s SUV momentum setting the pace and Maruti Suzuki’s dominance remaining unchallenged. The coming months will reveal whether these trends represent a lasting shift or a temporary response to current market pressures.
