March 2026 car sales: Tata stays ahead of Mahindra; Nissan sees highest growth

India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market continued its growth momentum in March 2026, with most carmakers reporting higher sales compared to the same month last year. Maruti Suzuki retained its position as the country’s largest carmaker, while Tata Motors stayed ahead of Mahindra in the contest for second place. Hyundai, Skoda and Honda reported single-digit growth, while Renault and Nissan posted the highest increases.

March 2026 sales for each carmaker

Maruti Suzuki

Sales: 1,69,428 units, Change: 10.27 percent YoY

Maruti Suzuki reported domestic sales of 1,69,428 units in March 2026, registering a 10.27 percent year-on-year increase. The carmaker remains the market leader, supported by strong demand across its key segments.

The compact segment, comprising popular models such as the Baleno, Swift, Dzire, Wagon R and Celerio, contributed 71,789 units in March, while SUVs, including the Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx and e Vitara, posted 71,356 units, reflecting continued demand.

Tata

Sales: 66,971 units, Change: 29 percent YoY

Tata Motors retained second place in March 2026 with domestic sales of 66,971 units, up 29 percent year-on-year. This also marks a month-on-month increase of around 19 percent from 56,447 units sold in February 2026.

The carmaker continues to benefit from strong demand for its SUV range, with models such as the Nexon and Punch remaining key contributors. Tata’s CNG and electric vehicle portfolios also support overall volumes.

Shailesh Chandra, the MD and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said recent launches, including the Sierra, Punch facelift, and petrol variants of the Harrier and Safari, have seen progressive growth in bookings, enquiries and deliveries since their introduction.

Mahindra

Sales: 60,272 units, Change: 25 percent YoY

Mahindra posted domestic sales of 60,272 units in March 2026, an increase of 25 percent from 48,048 units a year ago and around 13 percent from 53,281 units in the previous month.

The carmaker continues to rely on its SUV-led portfolio, with models such as the Scorpio N, Thar and Thar Roxx driving volumes. Recent launches, including the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S, are now being delivered to customers.

Hyundai

Sales: 55,064 units, Change: 6.3 percent YoY

Hyundai’s domestic sales rose to 55,064 units in March 2026 from 51,820 units in the same month last year, an increase of 6.3 percent. The carmaker’s performance is supported by its core line-up, with models such as the Creta, Venue and i20 contributing significantly to overall volumes. Recent updates to models like the Verna and Exter are also expected to support near-term demand.

Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO Tarun Garg said the company recorded its highest-ever quarterly domestic sales of 1,66,578 units in Q4 FY2026, and he expects the upcoming product updates to help sustain the momentum.

Toyota

Sales: 35,125 units, Change: 23.8 percent YoY

Toyota sold 35,125 units in the domestic market last month, registering a 23.8 percent year-on-year increase. Models such as the Innova Hycross, Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Fortuner remain key contributors to the brand’s volumes. Toyota has also revealed its first EV for India, the Urban Cruiser EBella, and is expected to announce its prices shortly.

Kia

Sales: 29,112 units, Change: 14.5 percent YoY

Kia’s domestic sales stood at 29,112 units in March 2026, up 14.5 percent year on year. Compared to the previous month’s 25,031 units, volumes were higher by around 16 percent.

Growth was driven by the new-generation Seltos, along with a steady demand for the Sonet. Growing interest in the Carens Clavis and its electric derivative also contributed to the brand’s overall momentum.

Skoda

Sales: 7,906 units, Change: 6.8 percent YoY

Skoda reported domestic sales of 7,906 units in March 2026, registering a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase and slightly exceeding its previous monthly high.

The Kylaq continues to be the brand’s top-selling model, with the Slavia also contributing steadily. The new Kushaq, launched late in March at Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh, is likely to add to volumes in the coming months.

Honda

Sales: 7,585 units, Change: 5 percent YoY

Honda’s sales stood at 7,585 units, up 5 percent over the same month last year. It is also a notable rise from 4,774 units recorded in February 2026.

The City, Amaze and Elevate make up Honda’s current portfolio in India. Honda has also indicated plans to expand its lineup, with its first battery electric vehicle, the Honda 0 Alpha, now undergoing pan-India testing ahead of its planned introduction.

JSW MG Motor

Sales: 6,528 units, Change: 19 percent YoY

JSW MG Motor’s sales surged 19 percent to 6,528 units, and growth is supported by the Windsor EV, which remains among the brand’s bestselling products. The company also recently revealed the Majestor diesel SUV, for which bookings are currently open. The price announcement for the Majestor is expected in April 2026, and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the following month. 

Citing rising input costs, the carmaker also announced price increases effective April 1, with most models set to see hikes of up to 2 percent, while its higher-end offerings such as the Cyberster and M9 will see increases of up to 7 percent.

Renault

Sales: 5,046 units, Change: 77 percent YoY

Renault sold 5,046 units in March 2026, an increase of 77 percent year on year and 44 percent from the previous month’s 3,495 units.

The Kiger and Triber continued to be the brand’s key volume drivers, together accounting for 63 percent of March sales. Deliveries of the new-generation Duster are set to begin in April, with the revived nameplate expected to support volumes in the coming months.

Nissan

Sales: 4,408 units, Change: 151 percent YoY

Nissan's domestic sales stood at 4,408 units in March 2026, up 98 percent over February’s 2,230 units, marking its highest monthly domestic performance in five years. This is also a sharp 151 percent increase over the 1,756 units recorded in March 2025.

The increase was driven by the start of customer deliveries of the Gravite MPV, which joins the Magnite as the brand’s second offering in India.