The Indian automotive sector showed remarkable resilience during the July-September period of 2025, with total passenger vehicle dispatches hovering around 10.52 lakh units. This figure represents a subtle decrease of merely 0.32 percent from the 10.56 lakh units recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, underscoring a balanced yet cautiously optimistic market dynamic.
While the aggregate numbers painted a picture of stability, individual automakers displayed a spectrum of outcomes, with some achieving notable expansions in their portfolios. This variance highlights the evolving preferences of consumers and the strategic maneuvers by brands to capture emerging opportunities in a competitive arena.
Maruti Suzuki’s Enduring Supremacy
At the forefront remains Maruti Suzuki, the undisputed leader in India’s passenger vehicle domain. The company dispatched an impressive 4.01 lakh units in Q3 2025, securing a substantial 38.17 percent market portion. Nonetheless, this performance marked a 5.55 percent contraction compared to the prior year, translating to a shortfall of over 23,000 units. Factors such as shifting buyer sentiments toward premium alternatives and a temporary lull in certain segments contributed to this dip, yet Maruti’s vast network and diverse lineup continue to anchor its dominance.
Mahindra’s Strategic Ascent and Tata’s Steady Pursuit
Mahindra & Mahindra solidified its runner-up position, surging ahead of Tata Motors for the first time in recent quarters. With 1.45 lakh units wholesaled, Mahindra notched a commendable 7.02 percent year-over-year escalation, elevating its market share to 13.82 percent. The robust appetite for rugged offerings like the Scorpio-N, Thar, XUV700, and the compact XUV3XO played a pivotal role in this upward trajectory, appealing to adventure-seeking families and urban explorers alike.
Tata Motors trailed closely in third place, registering 1.40 lakh unitsโa vibrant 7.89 percent growth from last year. This momentum stems from the brand’s focus on innovative electric and internal combustion engine hybrids, resonating with eco-conscious and tech-savvy demographics.
Hyundai’s Setback and Toyota’s Quiet Gains
Hyundai Motor India experienced a reversal, sliding to fourth with 1.39 lakh units dispatched, reflecting a 6.76 percent downturn. Challenges in the entry-level sedan and hatchback categories, coupled with intensified rivalry, tempered its progress, prompting introspection on portfolio diversification.
In contrast, Toyota Kirloskar Motor celebrated a 4.43 percent uptick, moving 85,550 units. The success of badge-engineered gems such as the Hyryder, Innova Hycross, and the perennial Fortuner underscored the brand’s knack for blending reliability with aspirational appeal, particularly in the MPV and SUV niches.
Mid-Tier Performers: Kia’s Stability and MG’s Electric Leap
Kia India maintained a solid footing with 64,443 units, though it encountered a mild 3.17 percent retreat year-on-year. The Seltos and Sonet remain cornerstones, but upcoming refreshes could reignite fervor in the coming months.
The quarter’s breakout stories unfolded among the mid-tier contenders. MG Motor India vaulted forward with a staggering 45.54 percent surge to 19,984 units, propelled by the electrifying reception of the Windsor EVโa testament to the burgeoning demand for affordable green mobility. Similarly, Skoda Auto India more than doubled its output to 17,161 units, a phenomenal 109.89 percent leap, courtesy of the warmly embraced Kylaq sub-compact SUV and bolstered mid-size sedan sales.
Laggards and the Broader Outlook
On the flip side, Honda Cars India grappled with a 15.49 percent slump to 13,205 units, as its aging City and Elevate lineup awaited vital updates. Renault notched a modest 8.69 percent rise to 9,855 units, buoyed by the Kiger and Triber’s value proposition. However, Volkswagen (down 16.06 percent to 8,711 units), Nissan (a sharp 30.23 percent drop to 4,456 units), Citroรซn (29.73 percent decline to 1,631 units), and Jeep (22.43 percent fall to 761 units) struggled amid constrained model ranges and niche positioning.
As the festive season unfolds with a flurry of debuts and promotions, the final quarter of 2025 holds promise for a vigorous recovery. Automakers are gearing up with hybrid innovations, enhanced safety suites, and expanded EV footprints, poised to invigorate wholesales and propel the industry toward greener horizons.
Also Read – Toyotaโs Robust Sales Surge in September 2025: Spotlight on Innova, Hyryder, Glanza, Fortuner, and Camry
Top 10 Passenger Vehicle Brands in Q3 2025: A Snapshot
| Rank | Manufacturer | Q3 2025 Sales | Q3 2024 Sales | YoY Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki | 4,01,875 | 4,25,500 | -5.55 |
| 2 | Mahindra | 1,45,503 | 1,35,962 | 7.02 |
| 3 | Tata Motors | 1,40,189 | 1,29,934 | 7.89 |
| 4 | Hyundai | 1,39,521 | 1,49,639 | -6.76 |
| 5 | Toyota | 85,550 | 81,924 | 4.43 |
| 6 | Kia | 64,443 | 66,553 | -3.17 |
| 7 | MG Motor | 19,984 | 13,731 | 45.54 |
| 8 | Skoda | 17,161 | 8,176 | 109.89 |
| 9 | Honda | 13,205 | 15,625 | -15.49 |
| 10 | Renault | 9,855 | 9,067 | 8.69 |
FAQs
1. What was the overall passenger vehicle sales figure for Q3 2025 in India?
The market recorded 10,52,845 units, experiencing a negligible 0.32 percent dip compared to the previous year’s 10,56,178 units, indicating steady equilibrium.
2. Which brand topped the sales charts in Q3 2025, and what was its market share?
Maruti Suzuki led with 4,01,875 units, capturing 38.17 percent of the pie, despite a 5.55 percent year-on-year reduction.
3. How did Mahindra perform relative to Tata Motors this quarter?
Mahindra edged out Tata for second place with 1,45,503 units (up 7.02 percent), while Tata followed with 1,40,189 units (up 7.89 percent), both showcasing SUV-driven vigor.
4. Why did Hyundai drop to fourth position?
Hyundai wholesaled 1,39,521 units, down 6.76 percent, due to softening demand in core segments and fiercer competition from indigenous players.
