The Indian automobile industry witnessed mixed trends in February 2025, with Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), and Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) posting positive sales growth, while Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) reported a decline in domestic sales.
Despite ongoing economic challenges, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) continued to be the key growth drivers for major automakers, reinforcing India’s growing preference for robust and versatile vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki India Maintains Steady Growth
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, posted marginal growth in domestic wholesales, with dispatches to dealers reaching 1,60,791 units in February 2025, compared to 1,60,271 units in February 2024.
- The increase, though modest, underscores consistent demand for Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio, particularly in the compact and entry-level segments.
- The company continues to strengthen its hybrid and CNG offerings, catering to evolving consumer preferences and stricter emission regulations.
Mahindra & Mahindra Reports 19% Surge in SUV Sales
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) recorded domestic wholesales of 50,420 units in February 2025, reflecting a 19% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase compared to 42,401 units in February 2024.
- The surge was primarily fueled by strong demand for Mahindra’s SUV lineup, including models like the XUV700, Scorpio-N, Thar, and Bolero.
- Mahindra’s total vehicle sales, including exports, reached 83,702 units, marking a 15% y-o-y increase.
- Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M, attributed the robust performance to positive momentum in the SUV segment.
“In February, we clocked sports utility vehicle (SUV) sales of 50,420, a growth of 19% and 83,702 total vehicles, a growth of 15%. This strong performance is a result of a continued positive momentum for our SUV portfolio,” Nakra stated.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Grows by 13%, Driven by MPVs and SUVs
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) registered domestic sales of 26,414 units in February 2025, reflecting a 13% y-o-y growth compared to 23,293 units in February 2024.
- MPVs and SUVs accounted for 68% of total sales, reinforcing Toyota’s dominance in the premium utility vehicle segment.
- Toyota’s best-selling models during the month included the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Legender, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux, and Rumion.
- Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, TKM, noted that Toyota’s consistent focus on reliability and quality had driven the demand surge.
“Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and SUVs continue to be the primary growth drivers, contributing 68% to overall sales. The strong demand for models such as the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux, Fortuner, Legender, and Rumion reflects the growing preference for reliable and quality products,” Wadhwa said.
Hyundai Motor India Faces 5% Decline in Domestic Sales
Unlike its competitors, Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) reported a 5% y-o-y decline in domestic sales, with 47,727 units sold in February 2025, compared to 50,201 units in February 2024.
- The decline highlights challenges posed by market volatility, geopolitical concerns, and changing consumer preferences.
- Despite the domestic slowdown, Hyundai’s exports remain strong, reinforcing its position as a key global hub for Hyundai Motor Company.
- Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and COO of HMIL, expressed optimism about upcoming tax reforms and economic policies boosting future sales.
“We are witnessing increasing global demand for our Made-in-India products, reflecting Hyundai’s strong acceptance worldwide. By optimising exports, we will continue to reinforce HMIL’s position as a key export hub for Hyundai Motor Company. On the domestic sales front, despite geopolitical challenges, we remain optimistic that the proposed tax reforms in the Union Budget 2025 and improved liquidity will provide the much-needed demand boost to the market,” Garg said.
Key Takeaways from February 2025 Auto Sales Report
- Maruti Suzuki India reported stable growth, with 1,60,791 units dispatched, reflecting steady demand for its passenger vehicle lineup.
- Mahindra & Mahindra saw a 19% jump in SUV sales, driven by high demand for models like the XUV700, Scorpio-N, and Thar.
- Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s domestic sales grew by 13%, with MPVs and SUVs accounting for 68% of total sales.
- Hyundai Motor India faced a 5% decline in domestic sales, but remains optimistic about export growth and policy-driven market recovery.
Outlook for India’s Automobile Industry
The Indian automobile industry remains resilient despite external economic pressures. The growing preference for SUVs and MPVs continues to drive sales, while companies are expanding their hybrid, CNG, and EV portfolios to meet changing consumer demands and regulatory requirements.
With the Union Budget 2025 expected to introduce tax reforms, automakers are hopeful for improved liquidity and higher consumer spending, which could drive further growth in the coming months.





