Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Mahindra and Hyundai begin 2026 on a strong note

India’s leading carmakers have kicked off 2026 with great momentum, as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Hyundai all reported strong January performances, underlining resilient demand, SUV-led growth and rising export traction across the passenger vehicle market.

Maruti Suzuki sets new monthly sales benchmark

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in January 2026, selling a total of 2,36,963 vehicles, marking a robust start to the calendar year. The figure represents a significant increase over the 2,12,251 units sold in January 2025, supported by steady domestic demand and a sharp surge in exports.

Domestic sales stood at 1,78,300 units, including passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles. Supplies to other OEMs added 7,643 units, taking total domestic volumes (including OEM sales) to 1,85,943 units.

Passenger vehicles remained the backbone of MSIL’s performance, with 1,74,529 PVs sold during the month. Utility vehicles once again emerged as a key growth driver, reflecting the continued shift in customer preference towards SUVs and MPVs, while exports played a crucial role in lifting overall volumes to a record high.

Tata Motors logs strongest-ever month, EVs shine

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) also posted its best-ever monthly performance, with total sales of 71,066 units in January, a 47.1% year-on-year growth, highlighting broad-based strength across models, powertrains and markets.

The Tata Nexon led the charge with its highest-ever monthly sales of over 23,000 units, while also crossing the landmark 10 lakh cumulative sales milestone. The Tata Punch continued its stellar run, recording best-ever monthly sales of over 19,000 units and surpassing 7 lakh cumulative sales in just over four years, making it the fastest model in the industry to achieve that milestone. The Tiago also joined the 7 lakh club, underlining sustained demand for Tata’s hatchback line-up in both ICE and EV formats.

Domestic PV sales (including EVs) stood at 70,222 units, up 46.1% YoY, while international volumes rose sharply to 844 units, a 251.7% increase over last year.

Electric vehicles remained a standout growth area. Combined domestic and international EV sales reached 9,052 units, up 72.7% YoY, driven by strong demand for the Nexon EV, Tiago EV and Tigor EV. Strong response to newer offerings including the Sierra, Harrier and Safari petrol variants, and the new Punch further boosted momentum, with the all-new Sierra seeing particularly high demand, prompting production ramp-up.

Mahindra’s SUVs power ahead, bookings surge

Mahindra's performance was once again anchored by its SUV portfolio. The company sold 63,510 utility vehicles in the domestic market in January, a 25% year-on-year increase. On a year-to-date basis, SUV sales reached 5,39,986 units, up 19% compared to the same period of the previous financial year.

The company also reported an overwhelming response to its latest product introductions. Bookings for the XUV7XO and XEV 9S, opened on January 14, garnered 93,689 orders within four hours, translating into a cumulative booking value of Rs 20,500 crore. The scale and speed of bookings underline strong consumer interest in Mahindra’s next-generation SUVs and its expanding electric vehicle strategy.

Hyundai posts record domestic and total sales

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) also achieved its highest-ever monthly domestic sales, delivering 59,107 units in January 2026, up 9.5% YoY. Total monthly sales reached a record 73,137 units, marking an 11.5% YoY increase, although the company trailed its Indian rivals in overall volumes.

The Hyundai Venue emerged as a key contributor with 12,413 units, while the Aura recorded 7,978 units, both models achieving their best-ever monthly performances.

Exports remained a major growth pillar, with 14,030 units shipped overseas, a 20.9% year-on-year rise, highlighting Hyundai’s expanding global footprint.

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