Hyundai Beats Mahindra To Regain 2nd Place In India's Car Market

Hyundai Motor India has regained its position as the country’s second-largest carmaker by sales in August 2025, overtaking Tata Motors and Mahindra. The South Korean brand sold 60,501 units, of which 44,001 were in the domestic market and 16,500 were exports. Despite this comeback in rankings, Hyundai’s overall sales fell compared to last year, showing that competition remains tight in a slowing market.

Numbers Behind the Recovery

Hyundai’s August total was down 4.23 percent year-on-year, a relatively mild drop when compared to steeper declines among rivals. Domestic sales were hit by softer demand, cautious buyers ahead of the festive season, and the wait for upcoming launches. Still, Hyundai managed to maintain volumes strong enough to climb back into second place.

Exports, however, told a different story. Shipments of 16,500 units grew by 21 percent compared to last year, helping offset the domestic slowdown. Hyundai continues to treat India as a major export hub, with models tailored to local conditions proving suitable for emerging global markets as well.

How Rivals Fared

Maruti Suzuki held on to its top spot with 1,80,683 units, only a marginal dip of 0.5 percent. Below it, though, the order shifted. Tata Motors reported 43,315 units, down 7 percent, despite a record month for EV sales at 8,540 units.

Mahindra, meanwhile, posted 75,901 units overall including commercial vehicle sales, but SUV sales dipped 9 percent to 39,399 units. The company deliberately slowed wholesale billing ahead of expected GST revisions, which affected its short-term performance.

These figures show that Hyundai’s gain was less about major growth and more about managing decline better than its immediate competitors. Strong exports provided the cushion Tata and Mahindra lacked in August.

Exports Give Hyundai an Edge

Hyundai’s export performance has become a key strength. The 21 percent jump in August shows its strategy of positioning India as a global manufacturing base is working. Products developed for domestic buyers are also finding traction in overseas markets, particularly in economies with similar needs.

The company has said it wants India to become its largest export hub outside South Korea. Delivering steady double-digit export growth helps reinforce that plan while also stabilising overall volumes during periods of weaker domestic demand. It also reflects the ability of Hyundai’s Indian plants to meet international standards while keeping costs competitive.

What’s Next on the Product Front

Hyundai’s product portfolio remains central to its positioning. SUVs like the Creta and Venue continue to be pillars, and the compact SUV segment will get a boost with the next-generation Venue launching on October 24, 2025. The company also plans to expand its EV range, with the Bayon compact crossover and the Inster EV slated for 2026.

These launches will be crucial, as the domestic market is highly competitive and shifting towards newer technologies. Hyundai’s balance of premium features and competitive pricing will continue to be tested, but the brand’s global product pipeline gives it a steady stream of models to adapt for India.