PV sales jump 21.7% to 4.6 lakh units in September; Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors lead growth

Passenger Vehicle (PV) sales in India are estimated to have risen around 21.7% year-on-year (YoY) to 4.6 lakh units in September 2026, compared with 3.78 lakh units in the same month last year, according to industry estimates. The industry entered the festive season on a stronger footing, with major automakers reporting double-digit growth in September volumes, while several companies recorded their highest-ever monthly or quarterly sales.

The increase came amid improved vehicle affordability following GST 2.0, lower borrowing costs and better financing availability. New model launches and dealer inventory build-up also supported volumes, while automakers entered the festive period with expanded product portfolios and stronger customer traction.

Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata Motors, etc., report strong numbers

Maruti Suzuki India sold 2,36,013 units in September, up 24.4% from 1,89,665 units a year earlier. Domestic PV sales jumped nearly 37% to 1,81,838 units, compared with 1,32,820 units in September 2025. Utility vehicle sales rose to 78,911 units from 48,695 units, while exports increased to 44,219 units. For April-September, Maruti's domestic PV sales reached 10,80,240 units, against 7,95,446 units in the corresponding period last year.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) recorded its highest-ever total monthly sales of 77,916 units, including exports, in September, registering 10.8% YoY growth. Domestic sales increased 10.9% to 57,166 units, while exports rose 10.4% to 20,750 units.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said the September performance surpassed the company's previous record achieved in July. He attributed the performance to the appeal of Hyundai's product portfolio across domestic and export markets and said the company expected customer enthusiasm to remain strong during the festive season. He also pointed to the opening of bookings for the Hyundai Bayon, the company's upcoming new nameplate for India, as an additional product development ahead of the festive period.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) reported total PV sales of 70,210 units in September, up 15% YoY from 60,907 units. Its Q2 FY27 sales reached a record 2,01,723 units, rising 40% from 1,44,397 units in Q2 FY26. EV sales across domestic and international markets increased 67% YoY to 15,384 units in September, while quarterly EV sales surged 90% to 47,150 units.

Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, TMPV said demand had sustained the momentum seen after GST 2.0, despite Q2 traditionally being a softer period. He pointed to industry Vahan volumes growing around 24% YoY, with increasing adoption of greener powertrains, as a positive backdrop for the festive season.

Chandra stated that TMPV's Q2 FY27 was its highest-ever quarter, with 2,01,723 units and 40% YoY growth, while September sales crossed the 70,000-unit mark.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) reported overall auto sales of 1,14,874 vehicles, including exports, up 15% YoY. Domestic utility vehicle sales rose 14% to 64,092 units, while commercial vehicle sales increased 14% to 30,420 units.

Dr. Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, said September SUV sales grew 14%, while overall vehicle sales increased 15%. He also highlighted the company's electric SUV performance, saying Mahindra had crossed 1 lakh billing of its Electric Origin SUVs since launch, adding another growth component to its utility vehicle portfolio. 

He also highlighted the changing powertrain mix. Tata Motors' EVs recorded their highest-ever quarterly sales of more than 47,000 units, up 90% YoY, taking EV penetration in its portfolio to 23%, against around 8% for the industry. CNG recorded its highest-ever quarterly sales and accounted for 28% of volumes. Together, EVs and CNG contributed 51% of Tata Motors' sales, Chandra said.

Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly wholesale sales since entering the Indian market at 32,017 units, up 41% from 22,700 units in September 2025. Q3 sales rose 38.5% to 89,259 units, while January-September sales increased 22.5% to 2,53,008 units.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said the September and Q3 performance reflected the strength of the company's evolving portfolio. He identified the Seltos and Sonet as key contributors, while the response to the Sorento and Syros EV supported Kia's expansion into additional segments and powertrain categories.

JSW MG Motor India reported a 19% YoY increase in wholesale dispatches to 8,018 units in September, adding to the broad-based growth recorded by major PV manufacturers.

With September volumes showing strong momentum, automakers are entering the festive season with higher sales, broader powertrain choices and expanded product portfolios.