The automotive industry in India is one of the largest in the world and one of the fastest growing globally.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market maintained its strong growth trajectory in August 2026, with major automakers reporting robust year-on-year (YoY) gains amid sustained domestic demand. Industry wholesales are estimated at around 4.5 lakh units for the month, according to senior industry officials.
Market leader Maruti Suzuki India Ltd led the growth with total wholesales of 219,220 units, up 21.3% YoY. Domestic wholesales jumped 34.3%, offsetting a 7% decline in exports to 33,844 units, as shipments were affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Sales to other OEMs fell 48% to 5,298 units. It supplies small cars to Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
Maruti Suzuki said it has crossed the one-million-unit mark within the first five months of FY2027, supported by higher production and strong demand across segments.
“We witnessed growth in every segment. The recent ramp-up in production is helping. We have a booking backlog of 1.8 lakh vehicles. Our SUV share in our entire portfolio has gone up to 36% from 12% five years ago,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Sales and Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) posted a 56% YoY increase in total wholesales, including EVs and exports, at 67,753 units. Domestic sales rose 59% to 65,253 units, while exports grew 8% to 2,500 units.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd reported overall auto sales of 107,648 units, including exports, marking a 42% YoY increase. Its domestic utility vehicle sales surged 50% to 59,257 units, while total utility vehicle sales, including exports, stood at 61,167 units. Domestic commercial vehicle sales grew 22% to 27,415 units.
“Demand continues to remain strong across our portfolio, with the updated Scorpio-N and BE 6 SPORTEQ receiving strong market response from customers. We look forward to building on this momentum during the festive season,” said Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, M&M.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd reported total sales of 65,796 units in August, up 8.8% YoY. Domestic sales rose 23.6% to 54,396 units, while exports declined to 11,400 units from more than 16,000 units a year earlier, reflecting logistical disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
“We continue to sustain strong growth momentum in FY2027. While total exports in August were impacted by logistical constraints arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the broader geo-political environment during the month, we remain optimistic that export demand will continue to be strong in the coming months as the geo-political situation improves,” said Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India.
Kia India recorded one of the strongest growth rates among major PV manufacturers, with dispatches rising 48.1% YoY to 29,042 units in August 2026.
JSW MG Motor India also sustained its growth momentum, reporting a 14% YoY increase in sales to 7,508 units. The company said demand remained strong across both its internal combustion engine (ICE) and new energy vehicle (NEV) portfolios.
Published – September 01, 2026 05:09 pm IST
