India’s automotive industry had a strong May 2026, with several manufacturers recording their highest-ever monthly sales across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. Electric vehicle sales stood out as a key highlight, with multiple players reporting sharp growth — reflecting the accelerating shift toward cleaner mobility. While the overall demand environment remained healthy, rising input costs and global supply chain pressures continue to be factors the industry is watching closely.
Commercial Vehicles
Tata Motors reported total sales of 32,850 units in May 2026, a 17% year-on-year growth over 28,147 units in May 2025. Domestic sales led the charge with 30,784 units, up 19% over the same month last year. Among segments, the SCV cargo and pickup category was the standout performer with a 30% growth to 11,819 units, followed by passenger carriers which rose 21% to 5,757 units. HCV trucks and ILMCV trucks also posted steady gains of 11% and 8% respectively. International business, however, saw a marginal dip of 9% to 2,066 units. Combined domestic and international sales for the MH&ICV segment stood at 14,596 units, up 7% year-on-year, reflecting broad-based demand momentum across the commercial vehicle portfolio.
Ashok Leyland reported total domestic sales of 14,148 units in May 2026, a marginal decline of 3% compared to 14,534 units in May 2025. While the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment delivered a strong 13% growth, the Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle (M&HCV) segment weighed on overall numbers with an 11% dip, driven largely by a sharp 35% decline in bus sales. On a cumulative basis, however, total domestic sales for the April–May period stood at 28,390 units, up 5% over the same period last year, reflecting underlying demand resilience.
Mahindra’s Trucks & Buses business recorded combined sales of 3,129 vehicles in May 2026, an 18% year-on-year growth over 2,643 units in May 2025. The passenger vehicles segment was the key driver, posting a strong 32% growth to 1,976 units, while cargo vehicles remained largely stable at 1,153 units. On a year-to-date basis, the business sold 6,140 units in the April–May period of FY27, up 15% compared to 5,351 units in the same period of FY26. Within the business, Mahindra Trucks & Buses Division (MTBD) stood out with a 24% monthly growth, while SML Mahindra contributed with a 15% year-on-year rise, reflecting broad-based momentum across both entities.
Sonalika Tractors has accelerated its momentum for FY’27 by clocking its highest ever May overall sales of 17,204 tractors and clocked an overall 21% growth to beat industry performance. This new milestone by Sonalika underlines the brand’s continued focus on delivering ‘Jeetne ka Dum’ to farmers and its evolving role in building an agriculturally efficient and prosperous nation, aiming to make India an agri superpower. The company also recorded its highest ever monthly production of 17,029 tractors as part of its preparation for the upcoming Kharif season in India.
Passenger Cars
Maruti Suzuki India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in May 2026, selling a total of 242,688 units — a significant leap from 180,077 units in May 2025. Domestic sales also touched an all-time high of 193,535 units, up from 138,690 units in the same month last year. The Utility Vehicle segment was a key contributor, growing strongly to 79,267 units, while passenger cars rose to 97,830 units. Exports added further momentum, climbing to 41,914 units from 31,219 units. On a cumulative basis, total sales for the April–May period of FY27 stood at 482,334 units, up 34% over 359,868 units in the same period of FY26, reflecting a commanding start to the new financial year.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles registered total sales of 59,790 units in May 2026, a robust 42% year-on-year growth over 42,040 units in May 2025. Domestic passenger vehicle sales rose sharply to 59,090 units from 41,557 units, while international business grew 45% to 700 units. The standout performer was the EV segment, which hit a new monthly high of 10,517 units — an 85% jump over 5,685 units in May 2025 — further cementing Tata Motors’ leadership in India’s electric mobility space. The company also strengthened its position as the number two player in the passenger vehicle market based on VAHAN registrations, which surged over 50% year-on-year, reflecting strong and broad-based consumer demand across its portfolio.
Hyundai Motor India sustained its strong momentum into May 2026, reporting domestic sales of 47,837 units — a 9.1% year-on-year growth. Exports stood at 13,300 units, taking total monthly sales to 61,137 units, up 4.1% over the same month last year. The company’s performance in the first two months of FY27 further reinforces the positive trend, with cumulative domestic sales rising 13% to 99,739 units compared to 88,235 units in the April–May period of FY26.
Kia India recorded its highest-ever May sales since inception, with wholesale volumes of 27,586 units in May 2026 — a strong 23.6% year-on-year growth over 22,315 units in May 2025. The performance reflects sustained customer demand across the brand’s portfolio and continued momentum in the Indian market. On a year-to-date basis, Kia India has sold 139,197 units in 2026, up 14.6% compared to 121,514 units during the same period last year, underscoring the brand’s consistent growth trajectory backed by its focus on premium, technology-led mobility solutions.
JSW MG Motor India sold 6,048 units in May 2026, maintaining its sales performance despite headwinds from global supply chain disruptions, rising commodity prices, and higher freight tariffs. The month also marked a significant product milestone with the launch of MAJESTOR, India’s first D+ segment SUV, available in 4×2 and 4×4 automatic top trim options priced at ₹40.99 lakh and ₹44.99 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively, signalling the company’s intent to strengthen its presence in the premium SUV space.
Honda Cars India reported a strong performance in May 2026, recording total sales of 7,853 units — a significant year-on-year growth of over 31% compared to 5,985 units in May 2025. Domestic sales rose to 5,111 units from 3,950 units, marking a healthy 29% growth, while exports climbed to 2,742 units from 2,035 units, registering a 35% jump. The broad-based growth across both domestic and export markets reflects strengthening consumer demand and growing international appetite for Honda’s India-made vehicles.
Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, recorded its ninth consecutive month of wholesale growth in May 2026, extending a strong growth streak that began in September 2025. Between September 2025 and May 2026, Renault India achieved cumulative wholesales of 38,225 units, reflecting a robust 46% growth compared to the same period last year. In May 2026, Renault was one of only two passenger vehicle manufacturers in India to record positive retail sales growth, according to VAAHAN data. The company also reported a 64% year-on-year increase in wholesales during the month, underscoring the strength of customer demand and Renault’s growing presence in the Indian market.
Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) today announced its sales performance, recording strong domestic sales growth of 118% year-on-year in May 2026. The company registered domestic wholesales of 2,948 units in May 2026. Exports stood at 5,023 units during the month, contributing to total wholesales of 7,971 units. This marks the third consecutive month of year-on-year domestic growth for Nissan Motor India, reinforcing the company’s continued momentum in the Indian market.
Two-wheelers
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) recorded total sales of 5.18 Lakh units in May 2026, registering a 12% year-on-year growth compared to 4.65 Lakh units sold in May 2025. In May 2026, Domestic sales stood at 4.59 Lakh units, registering a 10% growth over 4.17 Lakh units sold in the corresponding month last year. Exports stood at 0.59 Lakh units in May 2026, recording a 24% growth compared to 0.47 Lakh units exported in May 2025. The two-wheeler market witnessed steady demand during the month. Backed by its diverse product portfolio and extensive network of over 7,000 touchpoints across the country, HMSI continues to strengthen customer accessibility and expand its reach across markets.
TVS Motor Company recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in May 2026, with total sales surging 31% year-on-year to 5,66,585 units from 4,31,275 units in May 2025. Two-wheeler sales drove the performance, growing 31% to 5,43,111 units, with motorcycles up 30% to 2,73,802 units and scooters rising 32% to 2,20,740 units. Domestic two-wheeler sales grew a healthy 24% to 3,84,565 units. The EV segment was the standout performer, registering a 56% jump to 43,632 units, reflecting the company’s accelerating push in the electric mobility space. International business added further strength, with total exports surging 49% to 1,75,991 units, driven by 48% growth in two-wheeler exports and a 55% rise in three-wheeler sales overseas.
Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan announced its sales performance for May 2026. Building on the strong momentum, SMIPL registered its highest-ever monthly sales, recording total sales of 1,32,244 units in May 2026, reflecting a 3% year-on-year growth compared to 1,28,897 units sold in May 2025. Domestic dispatches for SMIPL stood at 1,10,028 units in May 2026, registering a growth of 2% over 107,780 units sold in May 2025. This marks the highest monthly domestic sales recorded by the company to date. SMIPL’s exports saw upward trajectory, with 22,216 units shipped in May 2026, compared to 21,117 units in May 2025, up by 5%.