Overall Numbers – 3.85 lakh units
Maruti – 1.50 lakh units
Stable numbers, but Maruti’s recent move to offer 6 airbags as standard in the Alto, Celerio, and Brezza is a step in the right direction. Sales should improve in the coming months if this is extended to other models as well. Maruti also needs a fresh product in the C2 segment. This strategy could work, just like how the Fronx and Brezza are doing wonders despite being in the same segment. The upcoming Grand Vitara 7-seater and the e-Vitara should also contribute positively.
Hyundai – 51,820 units
Hyundai has reclaimed its second spot again. We’ll have to look at individual model-wise numbers, but overall, the portfolio of family cars looks solid. The i10 and Verna need facelifts to appeal to a broader audience and compete more effectively in their segments. Hyundai is overly dependent on the Venue and Creta for overall sales. Offering the Exter with a 1.0 Turbo and pricing it ₹1 lakh below the Venue could drive better numbers.
Tata Motors – 51,616 units
Tata has a great portfolio of family cars tailored to Indian needs. The Punch ICE needs 6 airbags as standard, like the EV variant. A facelifted Altroz is expected soon — and it’s much needed. Tata has some strong upcoming launches like the Harrier EV, Sierra ICE, and EV. Nexon and Punch remain hot sellers, but overdependence on these models isn’t ideal. Pricing the Sierra competitively will be crucial. Marketing the Curvv during IPL is definitely a smart move for visibility. Not sure what’s happening internally, but a 1.5 GDI petrol engine for the Sierra, Harrier, and Safari would be a major boost.
Mahindra & Mahindra – 48,048 units
Deliveries of their new EVs have begun, and it’ll be interesting to see their contribution. This 48K figure largely consists of expensive, lifestyle-oriented models like the XUV700, Scorpio-N, and Roxx. Scorpio-N and XUV700 should offer 6 airbags and ESP as standard. Despite having no CNG or naturally aspirated engine options in 2025, these are strong numbers. However, a fresh C2-segment SUV (Brezza rival) with a better design than the XUV 3XO would help in the long run. An EV under ₹15 lakh should also be in the pipeline.
Toyota – 28,373 units
Thanks to the JV with Maruti Suzuki, Hyryder, Hycross/Innova, and Fortuner continue to perform strongly. As a customer, I still wish for an original Toyota car priced under ₹18 lakh.
Kia – 25,525 units
19% annual growth — looks like the Syros has contributed significantly. The overall portfolio (Sonet, Syros, Carens, and Seltos) is strong, and Kia arguably has more aspirational value than Hyundai in their segments. Kia should now voluntarily get the Syros, Carens, and Seltos tested for safety to erase any past stigma.
Skoda – 7,422 units
Decent numbers! Looks like the Kylaq is helping here.
Honda – 7,228 units
Respectable numbers, but all three cars — Amaze, City, and Elevate — deserve better. OEM-fitted CNG in the Amaze would be a game-changer. The 10-year warranty for City and Elevate needs stronger marketing. Advertising in tournaments like IPL can help spread the word.
MG – 5,500 units
Thanks to the Windsor EV. This shows how a unique segment can be disrupted with the right pricing, size, and tech. Astor and Hector are slowing down. Maybe it’s time MG focuses purely on EVs in India.
Volkswagen – 3,538 units
The Taigun urgently needs a facelift to get the monthly numbers above 4,000. The Virtus continues to do well in the C2 sedan segment, showing VW’s potential if they introduce properly sized and priced cars for India. The Golf and Tiguan R are expected to launch this month, so let’s see what VW has in store for 2025.
Renault – 2,846 units
If you’re not planning to bring the Duster back anytime soon, at least offer the 1.0 Turbo in the Triber. Also, ensure your lineup comes with 6 airbags — it’s time to level up.
Nissan – 2,499 units
The Magnite remains the lone warrior. It’s still an extremely value-for-money product, and with the Turbo CVT priced under ₹11 lakh, it competes neck-to-neck with the XUV 3XO, Kylaq, and i20 AT with its own strengths. The X-Trail is like Glenn Maxwell in the IPL — great for show, but not much else.
Citroën & FIAT – 407 and 294 units
It’s hard to turn things around from here. They missed the mark with the Citroën C5 Aircross marketing from day one. Imagine if they had launched the C3 with ads showing good headroom for Sardars, a groom in a pagdi, or a music band of five traveling with luggage — real-life family-use scenarios that connect with Indian buyers. Then launch the Basalt and C5. You must emotionally connect with your end customer. Same goes for Jeep — living in their own bubble and waiting for things to happen won’t work anymore.