Auto Sales May 2025: Mahindra, Tata or Hyundai? Which Carmaker Takes the No.2 Spot?

In May 2025, India’s leading automakers posted mixed sales results, with SUVs continuing to drive growth across portfolios, even as hatchbacks, sedans, and some commercial vehicle segments experienced pressure. We look at how Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Tata Motors and Hyundai performed in May 2025, and which automaker claimed the top honours.

1. Maruti Suzuki: Export Surge Offsets Domestic Decline

Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest carmaker, reported total sales of 180,077 units, reflecting a 3.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase from 174,551 units in May 2024. However, the topline growth masks a significant 5.5% drop in domestic sales, which fell to 138,690 units from 146,694 units a year ago. 

Also Read: Auto Sales May 2025: Maruti Suzuki Domestic Sales Fall 5.5%; Mini and Compact Car Sales Decline

The weakness was most pronounced in the Mini and Compact segments. Combined, these contributed 68,278 units, down 12.6% YoY. The entry-level Mini segment (Alto, S-Presso) declined a steep 31.6%, while Compact cars like Swift, Baleno, and WagonR fell nearly 10%. The Ciaz compact sedan plunged 37.3%, highlighting consumer migration away from traditional body styles. 

Conversely, exports emerged as a bright spot, soaring 79.7% to 31,219 units, up from 17,367 in May 2024. 

2. Mahindra: Strong Double-Digit Growth on SUV Momentum

Mahindra & Mahindra outpaced its rivals—Tata Motors and Hyundai India, in May 2025 with 84,110 units sold, posting an impressive 17% YoY growth, claiming No. 2 position. The company’s core SUV segment led the charge, registering 52,431 domestic units, a sharp 21% increase from 43,218 units in May 2024. Including exports, total UV sales hit 54,819 units. 

Also Read: Auto Sales May 2025: Mahindra’s SUV Volumes Grow 21%, Total Sales Up 17%

Flagship models like the Scorpio-N, XUV700, Thar, and Bolero Neo sustained demand across urban and rural markets. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis for FY26, Mahindra’s UV sales rose 24% to 104,761 units, compared to 84,226 units in FY25. 

3. Tata Motors: Volume Declines Despite Export Gains

Tata Motors sold 70,187 units in May 2025, marking an 8% decline from 76,766 units in the same month last year. The pressure was more pronounced in the passenger vehicle segment, where domestic sales fell 11% to 41,557 units, down from 46,697 units in May 2024. 

Electric vehicle sales—once a core growth engine—remained largely flat, up just 2% YoY to 5,685 units. This suggests that EV momentum may be stabilising amid a more competitive landscape. 

Also Read: Auto Sales May 2025: Tata Motors Sales Dip 8% Despite 87% Jump in CV Exports

Despite gains in exports, Tata’s overall volume contraction makes May 2025 one of its weaker recent months, particularly given pressure across both PV and CV domestic categories.

4. Hyundai India: Shutdown-Impacted Sales but Steady Export Focus

Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 58,701 units, including 43,861 domestic units and 14,840 exports. The domestic figure was affected by a scheduled biannual maintenance shutdown at its Chennai facility, which constrained supply of high-demand models like the Creta, Venue, and Exter. 

Also Read: Auto Sales May 2025: Hyundai India Clocks 58,701 Sales; Exports Account for Over 25%

While Hyundai didn’t offer direct YoY comparisons, the factory downtime likely contributed to a subdued monthly performance. However, exports held steady, with 14,840 units shipped in May, and the company emphasised growing outbound demand for models like the Grand i10, Aura, and Verna. 

Hyundai’s strength in the compact SUV and premium hatchback segments continued, but the full impact of production loss will be clearer once competitor market share data is published.

Who Performed Best: Mahindra Leads, Maruti Holds Ground on Exports

In relative performance terms, Mahindra & Mahindra clearly emerged as the best-performing OEM in May 2025, driven by a robust 21% SUV growth, improving commercial vehicle traction, and strong export momentum. The company’s product mix, focused heavily on utility vehicles, aligned well with current consumer trends.

Maruti Suzuki, while showing modest total growth (+3.2%), faced a shrinking domestic market, especially in its bread-and-butter hatchback segments. However, its 80% export growth helped offset the weakness and sustain overall momentum. 

Tata Motors was the most adversely impacted, with declines across PVs and CVs, though it managed to partially counterbalance the trend with strong export growth, particularly in CVs. 

Hyundai, constrained by planned production halts, may see a rebound in June, but for now, its sales were static despite consistent overseas dispatches.