New Launches Fuel April Auto Sales Surge Amid Mixed Market Sentiment
New car launches played a pivotal role in driving passenger vehicle (PV) sales in April, with leading automakers such as Mahindra, Toyota, Kia, and JSW MG Motor reporting robust growth. However, overall market sentiment remained tepid, continuing to weigh on retail vehicle registrations.
According to wholesale data, seven manufacturers that account for 95% of India’s domestic PV market collectively posted a 5% year-on-year increase, with April volumes reaching 334,892 units. Among the top five automakers, only Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Toyota Kirloskar recorded double-digit growth.
Mahindra emerged as a standout performer, propelled by strong demand for its SUVs—Thar and Scorpio—as well as its new electric models, the XEV 9e and BE 6. The automaker reclaimed the second position in overall sales, delivering 52,330 units in April, up 28% year-on-year.
Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest carmaker, maintained a stable performance, dispatching 138,704 units—just 1% higher than last year. However, its entry-level models like the Alto and S-Presso continued to struggle with subdued demand.
“Despite a challenging market and no new product launches, we’ve sustained our momentum with wholesales of around 142,000 units, including commercial vehicles,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India. “Retail sales have remained strong, reaching about 144,000 units.”
Tata Motors reported a 6% year-on-year decline, with wholesale volumes at 45,199 units. The Mumbai-based automaker lacked new launches during the period, which contributed to its weaker performance compared to peers.
Hyundai Motor India suffered the steepest drop among the top manufacturers, falling to fourth place. The Korean carmaker’s April dispatches fell 12% year-on-year to 44,374 units.
In contrast, Toyota, Kia, and JSW MG Motor defied the broader trend with strong double-digit growth, fueled by newer models and high-demand offerings.
Toyota’s sales surged 33% year-on-year to 24,833 units, driven by strong demand for the Innova range—a popular choice during the summer travel season—and the Hyryder SUV.
Kia India recorded an 18% year-on-year increase in April sales, reaching 23,623 units, led by consistent performance of the Sonet and positive reception of its newly launched Syros model.
JSW MG Motor also had a strong showing, with sales jumping 23% to 5,829 units, thanks largely to the successful debut of its new model, the Windsor EV.
“We’re pleased with the strong start to FY25,” said Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice-President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Kia. “The continued popularity of the Sonet and encouraging response to the new Syros have driven our growth.”
