Maruti Suzuki's Domestic Sales Performance Slides 8.3% In September 2025

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited posted total sales of 1,89,665 units in September 2025, marking a 2.7% year-on-year increase from 1,84,727 units sold in the same month last year. The company's domestic performance presented a mixed picture. Domestic sales declined by 8.3% year-on-year to 1,35,711 units in September 2025, down from 1,48,061 units in September 2024. This decline was attributed to logistical constraints towards the end of the month, which impacted wholesale figures despite strong retail demand during the festive period.

The growth was primarily driven by an unprecedented surge in export sales, which reached an all-time monthly high of 42,204 units, representing a remarkable 52.2% jump compared to September 2024.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki told ACKO Drive "Maruti Suzuki has achieved its highest-ever monthly exports of 42,204 units, growing at a whopping 52.2%. We are exporting cars in a quarter what we used to export in a year, just 4 years ago. In the first half of this year, we have already crossed 2.1 lakh units. This is like a 21-gun salute to Make in India; make for the world. In August and September we shipped over 6,000 electric vehicles."

Examining month-on-month trends reveals Maruti's gradual recovery trajectory. September sales increased 5% compared to August 2025 (1,80,683 units) and showed 5.1% growth over July 2025 (1,80,526 units). The most significant improvement was observed when compared to June 2025, with September recording a substantial 12.9% increase from the 1,67,993 units sold three months earlier. 

The company's performance across different months of 2025 demonstrates varying momentum: June recorded 1,67,993 units, July saw 1,80,526 units, August reached 1,80,683 units, and September peaked at 1,89,665 units. This progression reflects the positive impact of GST 2.0 reforms and building festive season demand.

Maruti's compact car segment emerged as the standout performer in September, with 66,882 units sold compared to 60,480 units in September 2024. The mini car segment, however, continued its downward trend with sales dropping to 7,208 units from 10,363 units year-on-year.

The utility vehicle segment, which includes popular models like Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, and the newly launched Victoris, recorded 48,695 units in September 2025, down from 61,549 units in the same month last year. This 20.9% decline in the UV segment reflects intensified competition in India's fastest-growing automotive category.

Despite maintaining its market leadership position, Maruti Suzuki faces increasing competition from rivals who posted stronger growth rates in September. Tata Motors achieved a remarkable 47% year-on-year growth with 60,907 units, while Mahindra recorded 16% growth with total sales of 1,00,298 units (including commercial vehicles). Hyundai posted 10% growth with 70,347 units, demonstrating more robust performance than Maruti's 2.7% increase. 

In the passenger vehicle segment specifically, the competitive pressure is evident. While Maruti sold 1,32,820 domestic passenger vehicles in September, its rivals showed stronger momentum. Tata Motors' domestic passenger vehicle sales surged 45% to 59,667 units, and Mahindra's SUV sales grew 10% to 56,233 units. Hyundai's domestic sales remained relatively flat at 51,547 units but achieved record SUV penetration of 72.4%.

The implementation of GST 2.0 reforms significantly improved customer sentiment, as evidenced by Maruti delivering a record 1,65,000 units during the first eight days of the Navratri festive period. This represented the highest-ever deliveries during such a short timeframe, indicating strong underlying demand despite wholesale challenges.

The GST rate restructuring, which reduced taxes on passenger vehicles, has made cars more affordable across price segments. This reform, combined with additional festive season benefits, has created a favourable environment for automotive sales as the industry heads into the peak festive buying period.

Maruti's export triumph in September - achieving its highest-ever monthly overseas sales of 42,204 units - demonstrates the company's growing international competitiveness. However, this success partially masks concerns about domestic market dynamics, where the company faces pressure from both premium competitors and value-focused rivals.

The 8.3% decline in domestic sales year-on-year, while partly attributed to logistical constraints, also reflects the challenging competitive environment where regional players are gaining market share through aggressive pricing and feature-rich offerings. Maruti's ability to maintain its dominant market position will depend on successfully navigating these domestic headwinds while capitalising on its export momentum and the positive impact of recent policy reforms.