Maruti reigns supreme while Tata falters; Car sales boom in India despite tariff threats

KOCHI: Despite global uncertainties, the Indian car market continues to thrive. The strong domestic economy, a revival in the agricultural sector, and enthusiasm in rural consumption are catalysts for the surge in car sales in India.

Donald Trump's retaliatory measures worried the whole world, but not the Indian car business. Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest automaker, continues to dominate the market, while data suggests that Tata Motors and Hyundai are losing ground.

Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra and Kia enjoy strong sales growth, winning over Indian consumers. The growing popularity of sports utility vehicles is benefiting Mahindra and Kia. Toyota Kirloskar and JSW MG Motor India also saw a surge in sales last month. JSW MG Motor India's progress was driven by the launch of its electric vehicle, the MG Windsor.

Maruti Suzuki's car sales in April rose 7 per cent to 1,79,791 units. Sales in the same period last year were 1,68,089 units. Domestic sales rose marginally to 1,37,952 units.

Maruti Suzuki shipped 27,911 cars during the period. Maruti Suzuki benefited from the upturn in sales of the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny and XL6. Meanwhile, Maruti also faced a severe setback in sales of small and medium-sized cars.

Leading domestic company Mahindra & Mahindra's car sales rose 19 per cent to 84,170 units in April. Sales of passenger vehicles in the domestic market increased by 27.61 per cent to 52,330 units. Mahindra is making waves in the utility vehicle segment. Although there was a slight decline in light commercial vehicle sales, there was a significant uptick in SUV sales. Mahindra is also doing well in markets including South Africa. The XUV700 and XUV3X0 are making waves in the African market.