Auto industry maintains strong growth momentum last month

New Delhi: India’s automobile industry maintained strong momentum in February 2026, with leading manufacturers reporting healthy year-on-year growth in sales across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, tractors, motorcycles and exports. The performance reflects sustained consumer demand, improving rural sentiment, and growing traction for utility vehicles and electric models.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki India reported a 7.32 per cent increase in total sales at 2,13,995 units in February 2026, up from 1,99,400 units in the same month last year. Domestic passenger vehicle sales were largely stable at 1,61,000 units compared to 1,60,791 units a year ago. In the mini car segment, comprising Alto and S-Presso, sales remained almost flat at 10,238 units. However, the compact car category — including Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift and WagonR — saw a decline to 66,386 units from 72,942 units.

In contrast, utility vehicles such as Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, XL6 and others recorded strong growth, rising to 72,756 units from 65,033 units. Light commercial vehicle Super Carry sales increased to 3,130 units. Exports witnessed a sharp jump to 39,155 units, significantly higher than 25,021 units in February 2025. The company said it has been calibrating production to reduce waiting periods across models.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd reported a 12.6 per cent rise in total sales to 66,134 units during the month. Domestic sales grew 9.8 per cent to 52,407 units, while exports surged 24.8 per cent to 13,727 units. The company described February as its highest-ever total and domestic sales tally for the month since inception, reflecting sustained customer confidence.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd posted an 18 per cent growth in overall automobile sales at 97,177 units. Domestic utility vehicle sales rose 19 per cent to 60,018 units, while commercial vehicle sales increased 10 per cent to 24,585 units. Exports climbed 11 per cent to 3,384 units. The company also reported robust tractor sales, which surged 34 per cent to 34,133 units. Domestic tractor sales jumped 35 per cent, supported by favourable agricultural conditions, including strong rabi sowing, healthy reservoir levels and a good kharif harvest. Rural cash flows and seasonal factors such as Navratri are expected to further boost demand.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd recorded a sharp 35 per cent increase in total sales to 63,331 units. Domestic passenger vehicle sales grew 34 per cent to 62,329 units, while international sales rose to 1,002 units. Notably, total electric vehicle sales across domestic and international markets climbed 57 per cent to 8,385 units, underscoring rising EV adoption.

Kia India reported a 10.3 per cent rise in sales to 27,610 units, marking its highest-ever February performance. The company attributed the growth to strong brand acceptance and sustained demand.

JSW MG Motor India posted a 24 per cent increase in wholesales at 4,957 units, driven by demand across internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios. The company also introduced its premium SUV, MG Majestor, during the month.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor registered a 20 per cent rise in total sales to 34,034 units.