India’s passenger vehicle market in the first half of 2025 grew modestly, with total sales inching up by 1.3%. Behind this steady headline, though, lies a tale of winners and losers as car brands battled for market share. Some soared with bold new launches, while others struggled to keep pace.
Maruti Suzuki, the household name in Indian car buying, continued to dominate as the top brand. However, its sales dipped slightly, reflecting softer demand for hatchbacks and entry-level models. Still, Maruti’s vast network and trusted lineup kept it firmly in the lead.
The big story of H1 2025 was Mahindra’s rise to second place, overtaking heavyweights Hyundai and Tata Motors. Fueled by hot sellers like the Scorpio N and Thar Roxx, Mahindra saw a strong surge in demand, especially for its SUVs. This momentum was clear in Mahindra’s June 2025 sales, where its rugged models stole the spotlight.
Hyundai and Tata Motors, meanwhile, hit a rough patch, with both brands seeing sales slip. Despite popular models like Tata’s Punch and Nexon, the drop was noticeable, as outlined in the Tata Motors June 2025 sales analysis. Hyundai, too, faced challenges but is gearing up for a comeback with upcoming launches like the Elexio electric SUV.
| Brand | H1 2025 Sales | H1 2024 Sales | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | 878,705 | 898,905 | -2% |
| Mahindra | 301,194 | 250,348 | 20% |
| Hyundai | 285,809 | 309,772 | -8% |
| Tata Motors | 269,968 | 293,122 | -8% |
| Toyota | 161,531 | 140,027 | 15% |
| Kia | 142,139 | 126,137 | 13% |
| Škoda | 36,194 | 15,462 | 134% |
| Honda | 32,096 | 36,871 | -13% |
| MG | 31,602 | 26,903 | 17% |
| Volkswagen | 18,780 | 19,397 | -3% |
| Renault | 16,031 | 23,100 | -31% |
| Nissan | 11,723 | 15,041 | -22% |
| Citroën | 2,427 | 3,335 | -27% |
| Jeep | 1,534 | 2,185 | -30% |
| Overall | 2,189,733 | 2,160,605 | 1.3% |
Toyota and Kia shone brightly, posting solid gains thanks to their versatile SUVs and MPVs. Buyers looking for reliability and style flocked to these brands. Škoda, however, was the dark horse, delivering the highest growth rate of any brand, with sales more than doubling from last year, driven by its expanding lineup.
MG Motor also made gains, though it remains a smaller player. On the flip side, Renault, Nissan, Citroën, and Jeep saw sharp declines, with Renault facing the steepest drop. Honda and Volkswagen also struggled, with sales either slipping or staying nearly flat.
The H1 2025 results highlight a market where SUVs are king, powering brands like Mahindra, Toyota, and Kia to new heights. As Maruti Suzuki faces pressure in smaller segments, the race for dominance is heating up.
