Carmakers shift into high gear with strong July sales growth

MUMBAI: India’s car market hit the accelerator in July, and it barely glanced at the rear-view mirror. Passenger vehicle makers started the second quarter of FY27 with a strong burst of momentum as demand for SUVs, rising exports and growing interest in electric vehicles powered healthy sales across the industry.

Maruti Suzuki retained its crown as the country’s largest carmaker, reporting total sales of 2,41,421 units, including domestic sales, exports and supplies to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Domestic sales touched an all-time monthly high of 2,00,123 units, while exports reached 30,056 units.

The company’s passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market climbed to 1,96,203 units, compared with 1,37,776 units in July last year. Its utility vehicle portfolio, comprising models such as the Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara and XL6, continued to lead the charge, with sales jumping to 78,851 units from 52,773 units a year earlier.

Hyundai Motor India also celebrated a milestone, posting its highest-ever monthly sales since commencing operations in India. Total sales rose 25.4 per cent year on year to 75,360 units, driven by 54,210 domestic sales, up 23.3 per cent, and 21,150 exports, a 31.4 per cent increase that marked the company’s strongest overseas performance in more than 100 months.

Within Hyundai’s portfolio, the Creta delivered its best monthly sales of 2026 at 18,088 units, while the i20 recorded its highest tally of the year with 6,738 units sold.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles continued its strong run, reporting total sales of 63,760 units, a 59 per cent increase from 40,175 units in July 2025. Domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 62,611 units, while electric vehicle sales surged 114 per cent to 15,217 units, more than doubling from 7,124 units a year ago.

Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra crossed the one lakh milestone in monthly vehicle sales for the first time this fiscal, delivering 1,03,860 vehicles, including exports, a 26 per cent increase year on year.

The company’s domestic SUV sales rose 20 per cent to 60,048 units, while total SUV sales, including exports, reached 60,887 units. Domestic commercial vehicle sales increased 23 per cent to 25,204 units, and exports climbed 47 per cent to 4,070 units.

The July numbers reinforce three clear trends shaping India’s passenger vehicle market. SUVs continue to dominate consumer preference, exports are emerging as a powerful growth engine, particularly for Hyundai and Mahindra, and electric vehicles are steadily moving into the mainstream, with Tata Motors maintaining its leadership in the segment.

For the industry, the month offered more than just healthy sales figures. It underscored how India’s automotive market is evolving, with manufacturers increasingly balancing premium utility vehicles, international markets and cleaner mobility to keep growth firmly in the fast lane.