After the GST changes in 2025, the Indian passenger vehicle market saw healthy growth in the latter half of the year. Festival buying and year-end demand further boosted sales. With 2026 underway, January numbers show how major mass-market carmakers performed in the domestic market.
Maruti Suzuki
Sales: 1,74,529 units | Change: +0.54%
Maruti Suzuki recorded its highest-ever total sales in January 2026, but domestic volumes grew only slightly year-on-year. Sales were also lower than December 2025. Entry-level models like the Alto K10 and S-Presso benefited from the GST cut, while hatchbacks and sedans saw a decline. SUVs and MPVs posted solid growth. Exports rose sharply during the month.
Tata Motors
Sales: 70,222 units | Change: +46.06%
Tata Motors overtook Mahindra in January with a strong rise in domestic sales. The Nexon and Punch led the charts, and the new Sierra also saw good demand. Tata’s electric vehicle sales continued to grow rapidly, recording a major year-on-year increase.
Mahindra
Sales: 63,510 units | Change: +25.37%
Mahindra reported healthy growth compared to both last year and December 2025. However, it slipped to third place in the January rankings. The company expects better performance ahead with new launches like the XUV 7XO, XEV 9S and an upcoming Scorpio N facelift.
Hyundai
Sales: 59,107 units | Change: +9.45%
Hyundai retained fourth position while posting its highest domestic sales for January. Sales rose sharply over December, helped mainly by the new Venue. Exports from India also recorded a year-on-year increase.
Toyota
Sales: 30,630 units | Change: +17.01%
Toyota posted higher domestic sales compared to January last year, though volumes fell from December due to fading year-end demand. Exports saw a small increase. Toyota is preparing to introduce its first electric vehicle for India, which will also be exported.
Kia
Sales: 27,603 units | Change: +10.3%
After very strong growth in December, Kia’s sales stabilised in January. The new-generation Seltos and steady demand for the Sonet supported volumes. Interest is also rising for the Carens Clavis and its electric version.
Honda
Sales: 6,193 units | Change: -15.45%
Honda was among the few carmakers to see a year-on-year drop in domestic sales. However, volumes improved slightly over December, helping the company move up one position in the rankings. Exports fell sharply during the month.
Skoda
Sales: 5,739 units | Change: +38.86%
Skoda recorded one of the highest growth rates in January. Sales rose slightly over December, and the company climbed one rank. The Kylaq compact SUV remains the main contributor, with more variants planned this year.
JSW MG Motor India
Sales: 4,843 units | Change: +8.71%
MG returned to year-on-year growth in January, though sales fell compared to December. The Windsor EV continues to perform well and was the top-selling EV in India last year. MG is set to launch its new flagship petrol model, the Majestor.
Renault
Sales: 3,715 units | Change: +33.63%
Renault posted strong year-on-year growth, despite a slight drop from December sales levels. The brand moved up one rank. Sales are expected to improve further with the launch of the new Duster in March.
Volkswagen
Sales: 2,710 units | Change: -18.96%
Volkswagen’s domestic sales declined further in January, both year-on-year and month-on-month. Upcoming launches and facelifts planned for later this year are expected to support a recovery.
Nissan
Sales: 2,502 units | Change: +4.08%
Nissan reported a small year-on-year increase and strong growth over December. To improve its market position, the company plans to launch a new compact MPV and a new SUV based on the Duster platform later this year.
