India’s passenger vehicle market continued its upward trend in March 2026, with most carmakers reporting year-on-year growth.
Maruti Suzuki remains the clear leader, while Tata Motors has held on to second place ahead of Mahindra. Further down the order, Hyundai and Toyota continue to post steady numbers, while Renault and Nissan stand out for their sharp growth.
Maruti Suzuki reported sales of 1,69,428 units, up 10.27 percent year on year. Demand continues to be driven by its compact cars and SUV range, which together account for a significant portion of volumes. The gap to the rest of the market remains substantial.
Tata Motors sold 66,971 units, registering a 29 percent increase. The brand continues to benefit from strong demand for its SUV line-up, along with steady contribution from electric and CNG models. It also marks a clear lead over Mahindra in second place.
Mahindra posted sales of 60,272 units, up 25 percent. Its growth continues to be driven by SUVs such as the Scorpio N and Thar, along with newer launches that are gradually contributing to volumes.
Hyundai recorded 55,064 units, a 6.3 percent increase. Growth here is more measured, with the brand relying on its established portfolio, including the Creta and Venue.
Toyota reported 35,125 units, up 23.8 percent year on year. Its performance continues to be supported by models like the Innova Hycross and Hyryder, along with sustained demand in the premium SUV space.
Kia sold 29,112 units, marking a 14.5 percent increase. The Seltos and Sonet remain key contributors, while newer products are beginning to add to overall volumes.
Among smaller players, Skoda posted 7,906 units, up 6.8 percent, while Honda reported 7,585 units, a 5 percent increase. Both brands saw modest growth compared to the larger players.
JSW MG Motor recorded 6,528 units, up 19 percent, supported largely by its EV portfolio.
Renault and Nissan saw the highest percentage growth. Renault’s sales rose to 5,046 units, up 77 percent, while Nissan reported 4,408 units, a sharp 151 percent increase. In both cases, new product introductions and improved demand have played a role.
The overall picture is familiar. Maruti Suzuki continues to lead by a wide margin, while Tata and Mahindra remain locked in a close contest for second place. Further down, growth is more incremental, with a few standout gains from smaller brands.
The takeaway is straightforward. The market is growing, but the hierarchy remains largely unchanged. What is shifting, however, is the pace at which smaller players are catching up, even if from a lower base.
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