Excited to know how the Indian auto industry fared in May 2025? The data reveals a clear shift in dynamics across key segments. While some automakers consolidated their leadership, others witnessed setbacks driven by operational slowdowns and evolving buyer preferences. With utility vehicles continuing to dominate and electric models gaining traction, May 2025 offers a fascinating snapshot of what buyers nationwide choose.
Let us look closer at the brand-wise performance, key highlights, and what these figures suggest about the road ahead.
Top Performers in May 2025
Maruti Suzuki Maintains the Lead But With Mixed Results
Maruti Suzuki retained its position as India’s largest carmaker, recording 1,80,077 units in total sales. However, the performance across categories was varied.
- Domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 1,35,962 units, reflecting a decline of 5.6% year-on-year.
- Export numbers surged by 80%, reaching 31,219 units, driven by strong international demand.
- While utility vehicles like the Brezza and Grand Vitara performed well, compact and mini segments declined. The Alto and S-Presso dropped 31.5%, and models like Baleno, Dzire, and Swift also saw a dip of nearly 10%.
Despite a dip in domestic demand, Maruti’s aggressive export push kept overall numbers positive.
Mahindra Strengthens Position as India’s Second Largest Carmaker
Mahindra recorded total wholesales of 84,110 units, showing a robust 17% year-on-year growth. The company has consistently maintained strong momentum in the utility vehicle space.
- UV sales reached 52,431 units, up 21% from May 2024.
- Year-to-date (April–May) passenger vehicle sales are up 24%.
- The recently launched XUV 3XO has received strong bookings.
- Iconic nameplates such as the Scorpio N, Thar, and XUV700 remain in high demand.
With a focused SUV lineup and high customer interest, Mahindra thrives.
Tata Motors Experiences a Decline
Tata Motors reported 70,187 units, marking a 10% decline compared to May 2024.
- Passenger vehicle sales were 42,040 units, down 11% year-on-year.
- Electric vehicle sales rose slightly to 5,685 units, a marginal 2% growth.
- Commercial vehicle sales declined, though the Intermediate Light Commercial Vehicle (ILMCV) segment saw gains.
A gap in major new launches and changing market dynamics may have contributed to this dip. The brand is expected to bounce back with the upcoming Harrier EV and Sierra EV later this year.
Hyundai Suffers Temporary Dip Due to Maintenance Shutdown
Hyundai Motor India posted sales of 58,701 units, down 7.63% year-on-year. The decline was primarily attributed to a planned biannual maintenance shutdown at its Chennai facility.
- Domestic sales stood at 43,861 units, down 10.76%.
- Exports registered 14,840 units, with a marginal increase over last year.
- The Creta remained Hyundai’s best-selling model.
- The brand is preparing to launch the next-generation Venue, and hybrid offerings are expected to follow.
Hyundai retained the third position overall despite temporary constraints.
Toyota Records Strong Growth in SUV and MPV Segments
Toyota Kirloskar Motor continued its upward trajectory with 30,864 units sold in May 2025, reflecting 22% year-on-year growth.
- SUVs and MPVs drove the performance, especially models such as the Innova HyCross and Hyryder.
- April–May cumulative sales reached 58,188 units, up 27% over the same period last year.
Toyota’s focused approach in the premium utility vehicle segment is yielding consistent results.
Kia India Posts Solid Growth with New Model Clavis
Kia India reported 22,315 units, marking a 14.43% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by strong interest in newly launched and existing models.
- The Carens Clavis received a strong initial response, especially among families.
- An electric version of the Clavis is expected in July 2025, further strengthening Kia’s EV ambitions.
With a compact and family-focused SUV portfolio, Kia continues to attract urban buyers.
MG Motor India Posts Highest Growth Rate
MG Motor India emerged as the fastest-growing brand in percentage terms, with 6,304 units sold and a staggering 40% year-on-year increase.
- The Windsor EV and Windsor EV PRO primarily led this performance.
- The brand’s battery rental model and advanced tech features are gaining attention from EV buyers.
MG is gradually carving out a niche in the premium electric vehicle market.
Honda Continues to Struggle
Honda sold 3,950 units in May 2025. The brand faces challenges due to a lack of new launches and a limited presence in the SUV segment, which now dominates buyer preferences.
| Rank | Brand | May 2025 Sales | Year-on-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti | 1,80,077 | +3.2% |
| 2 | Mahindra | 84,110 | +17% |
| 3 | Tata | 70,187 | -10% |
| 4 | Hyundai | 58,701 | -7.63% |
| 5 | Toyota | 30,864 | +22% |
| 6 | Kia | 22,315 | +14.4% |
| 7 | MG Motor | 6,304 | +40% |
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