Indian Automakers Report Record Sales in October Driven by Festive Demand

Major automobile manufacturers operating in India have posted positive sales numbers for October, supported by strong consumer demand during the festive season. Companies across the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments reported growth in domestic wholesales and exports.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle maker, recorded its highest-ever monthly sales volume, selling a total of 2,76,120 units, which includes exports. The company's domestic wholesales, inclusive of light commercial vehicles, reached an all-time high of 2,16,789 units, representing a 20 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 1,80,675 units in October of the previous year. Maruti Suzuki's previous best sales months were May 2026 with 2.43 lakh units and July 2026 with 2.41 lakh units.

Home-grown automaker Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported domestic wholesales of 73,894 units in October, marking a 21 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 61,134 units in the corresponding month last year.

Utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) registered domestic sales of 73,338 vehicles, reflecting a 2 per cent year-on-year growth over 71,624 units in October 2025. Velusamy R, President of Automotive Business at M&M, stated that October was a landmark month with SUV sales reaching 73,338 units and total vehicle sales hitting 1,31,109 units, both representing monthly highs. He noted that a refreshed portfolio and festive demand sustained momentum across SUVs, pick-ups, and three-wheelers, while the newly introduced CNG vehicle, the XUV 3XO ZNG, gained traction.

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) achieved its highest-ever total monthly sales of 82,299 units, combining domestic and export figures, which translates to a 17.7 per cent year-on-year growth. This milestone was supported by domestic wholesales of 62,799 units—up 16.7 per cent year-on-year—and exports totaling 19,500 units, representing a 21.1 per cent increase. Tarun Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HMIL, attributed the performance to festive demand and stable momentum in domestic and export markets, adding that the newly launched Hyundai Bayon is expected to support future growth in India and international markets.

JSW MG Motor India dispatched 8,013 units during the month, achieving a 19 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 6,397 units in October of the previous year.

In the two-wheeler sector, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) reported dispatches of 6,64,831 units for the month, compared to 5,98,952 units in the same month last year.

"The robust sales figures reported by major automakers in October highlight the resilience and purchasing power of the Indian consumer during the festive season. For the broader business and startup ecosystem, strong performance in the automotive sector serves as a positive indicator of domestic market demand, which often cascades down to supply chain vendors, logistics startups, and local manufacturing enterprises. Sustainable growth in vehicle dispatches reflects healthy economic activity and consumer confidence." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes