Thanks to the 2025 GST reforms, the second half of last year was a prosperous time for the Indian passenger vehicle market. Carmakers across the board saw strong surges in sales, amped up further by the coinciding festive season and year-end demand. With 2025 now in the rearview mirror, let’s dive into how prominent mass-market carmakers performed domestically in the first month of 2026.

January 2026 sales for each carmaker 

Maruti Suzuki 

Sales: 1,74,529 units, Change: 0.54 percent 

Though market leader Maruti Suzuki achieved its highest-ever cumulative sales of 2,36,963 units in January 2026, domestic sales were up just 0.54 percent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis and down 2.3 percent compared to December 2025. While demand surged for entry-level models such as the Alto K10 and S-Presso thanks to GST reduction, hatchback and sedan sales fell 11.78 percent YoY, and SUV and MPV/van sales recorded a growth of over 14.64 percent. Exports saw a sharp 88.27 percent YoY uptick.

Tata Motors 

Sales: 70,222 units, Change: 46.06 percent 

The Nexon achieved the highest wholesale numbers in January 2026.

Tata Motors overtook Mahindra in January 2026 with domestic sales of 70,222 units, up 46.06 percent YoY and 40.31 percent compared to December 2025. The Nexon and Punch particularly excelled in the rankings, with over 23,000 units and 19,000 units sold, respectively, and there is strong demand for the new Sierra too. As for Tata’s EVs, cumulative sales grew by a whopping 72.75 percent YoY.

Mahindra 

Sales: 63,510 units, Change: 25.37 percent 

Mahindra posted a strong performance by clocking domestic sales of 63,510 units, up 25.4 percent YoY. Compared to December 2025, volumes grew 24.66 percent. Despite the uptick in month-on-month sales, Mahindra slipped from second to third place in January 2026. The Indian carmaker remains optimistic about growth in the months ahead thanks to the recent launches of the XUV 7XO and XEV 9S, and the upcoming Scorpio N facelift should help drive sales too.

Hyundai 

Sales: 59,107 units, Change: 9.45 percent

Over 12,000 units of the new Venue were sold in January 2026.

Remaining steadfast in fourth position, Hyundai recorded its highest-ever domestic sales of 59,107 units, a growth of 39.35 percent over December 2025 and 9.45 percent YoY. With 12,413 units sold in January, the new Venue particularly played a big role in Hyundai’s promising sales performance. On the other hand, Hyundai India’s exports climbed 20.95 percent YoY.

Toyota 

Sales: 30,630 units, Change: 17.01 percent

Domestically, Toyota Kirloskar Motor sold 30,630 units, up 17.01 percent YoY. Due to the year-end demand tapering off, though, volumes were down 10.33 percent from December 2025. Exports, meanwhile, inched up 1.79 percent from the year-ago period. Toyota will soon launch its first EV for India, the Urban Cruiser Ebella, which will also be exported to overseas markets.

Kia 

Sales: 27,603 units, Change: 10.3 percent 

Kia has recorded encouraging demand for the new Seltos, which launched at the onset of January 2026.

Kia India saw an incredible 105 percent YoY growth in December 2025, but volumes normalised to a 10.3 percent YoY uptick in January 2026 with 27,603 units sold. Compared to December 2025, that’s an increase of 47.93 percent. Contributing greatly to Kia’s strong performance last month was the new-gen Seltos and a steady demand for the Sonet, along with growing interest in the Carens Clavis and its EV derivative.

Honda

Sales: 6,193 units, Change: -15.45 percent 

Honda Cars India is among the few carmakers that saw a decline in domestic sales in January 2026. The Japanese carmaker sold 6,193 units last month – down 15.45 percent YoY but up 6.65 percent over December 2025. Notably, Honda moved up a position in the January rankings. Exports for Honda stood at just 748 units, representing a hefty YoY drop of 84.98 percent.

Skoda 

Sales: 5,739 units, Change: 38.86 percent

New variants will be added to the Kylaq range in 2026.

At 38.86 percent, Skoda witnessed one of the highest growth rates in domestic sales, with a total of 5,739 units. Compared to December 2025, Skoda saw an uptick of 3.1 percent in January and moved up a slot. The Kylaq continues to be a primary growth driver for Skoda, with more variants planned to be added to the compact SUV’s line-up this year.

JSW MG Motor India 

Sales: 4,843 units, Change: 8.71 percent

Following last month’s YoY decline, domestic sales for JSW MG Motor India picked up in January 2026. MG sold 4,843 units last month, up 8.71 percent YoY but down 25.5 percent compared to December 2025. The Windsor EV is one of MG’s bestselling models in India and was also crowned the bestselling EV in India in 2025. Moreover, MG will launch its flagship ICE-powered model, the Majestor, this month.

Renault 

Sales: 3,715 units, Change: 33.63 percent 

The 2026 Duster is anticipated to be a major volume driver for Renault.

Renault India’s domestic sales surged 33.63 percent YoY to 3,715 units. The growth pace in December 2025 was similar at 33.4 percent but more cars were sold, resulting in a 3.4 percent month-on-month drop in January 2026. Still, Renault did move up a rank. The coming months should also boost Renault’s standing on the sales charts, as the highly anticipated 2026 Duster is scheduled to hit the market in March.

Volkswagen 

Sales: 2,710 units, Change: -18.96 percent 

Following December 2025’s 11 percent YoY drop, Volkswagen’s domestic sales declined further in January 2026. The German carmaker recorded 2,710 sales last month, down 18.96 percent YoY and 36.3 percent from December 2025. The Tayron (set to launch in Q1 2026) and upcoming facelifts for the Virtus and Taigun should help bring Volkswagen’s sales volumes back up.

Nissan 

Sales: 2,502 units, Change: 4.08 percent 

The upcoming Tekton is the sister car to the new Duster.

Nissan Motor India recorded domestic sales of 2,502 units in January – up 4.08 percent YoY and 31.5 percent over December 2025. To regain sales momentum, Nissan will launch the Gravite compact MPV and Tekton – a platform sibling to the new Duster – this year.